Honoring Dennis Wilkinson on the 106th anniversary of his birth

He spent three years in Japan, during which he did much to improve the cooperative relationship between the two countries. He was admired and respected by his Japanese colleagues and made many lifelong friends. For this service, he was awarded the navy’s Distinguished Service Medal.

Rickover connection: Wilkinson collaborated closely with Hyman Rickover, who at the time was a captain, in the development of nuclear-powered propulsion for the U.S. Navy, first in developing the reactor and then in the construction and operation of the first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Wilkinson was the first commanding officer of both the Nautilus and the USS Long Beach (CGN-9), the first nuclear-powered surface ship. Wilkinson and Rickover continued close collaborations through the years, leading to a strong and enduring naval nuclear program. Wilkinson retired in 1974 after an exceptional and decorated naval career.

INPO: In 1980, Wilkinson became the first chief executive of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He guided the development and establishment of this organization, which led to cohesive industry partnerships and worldwide improvements in nuclear plant safety and reliability. The standards of excellence and professionalism that Wilkinson established at INPO have stood the test of time and continue to influence worldwide improvements in the commercial nuclear power industry.

Ann Marie Daniel Winters is the author of Underway on Nuclear Power: The Man Behind the Words. She worked at INPO from 1980 until her retirement in 2011.