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Admiral in the US Navy (1900-1986) who directed the original development of naval nuclear propulsion. Collection of seven TLSs from Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, each signed “H. G. Rickover,” all addressed to longtime Georgia Congressman Jack Brinkley. The letters, 10 total pages, dated between 1975 and 1982, consist of both personal letterhead and letterhead direct from United States Navy submarines (USS Richard B. Russell, Birmingham, Jacksonville, Boston, and Atlanta) or supercarriers (USS Carl Vinson); the majority of letters were written by Rickover while at sea in the North Atlantic. The letters, in part:
June 16, 1975: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN687), our 65th nuclear powered attack submarine and the last of the 37 ship STURGEON Class. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged. The RUSSELL was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia…The RUSSELL is equipped with the latest navigation and electronics systems and a computer controlled weapons system which enable her to detect and attack targets at considerable distances. These characteristics, combined with the ability to operate submerged at high speeds for long periods of time provided by nuclear propulsion, make her a powerful weapon against the surface ships and submarines of any potential adversary.”
October 10, 1978: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695), our 72nd nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged. The BIRMINGHAM was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia…The BIRMINGHAM is one of a new class of nuclear attack submarines capable of attaining speeds higher than any achieved by earlier classes of submarines. In addition to high speed, this class is equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems, characteristics which will increase their effectiveness. This class will also be capable of operating in direct support of our aircraft carriers and other major surface combatants in an escort role. Thirty-two ships of this class have been authorized by Congress.”
January 27, 1981: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS JACKSONVILLE (SSN699), our 78th nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged. She is named for the city of Jacksonville, Florida. This submarine is the first naval ship to bear the name Jacksonville. Founded in 1822 and incorporated in 1932, the name honored the first territorial governor of Florida, Andrew Jackson…The JACKSONVILLE is one of our latest class of nuclear attack submarines, capable of attaining speeds higher than any achieved by earlier classes. In addition to high speed, this class is equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems, which increase their effectiveness. This class is also capable of operating in direct support of our aircraft carriers and other major surface combatants. Thirty-seven ships of this class have been authorized by Congress.”
November 9, 1981: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS BOSTON (SSN 703), our 86th nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged. She is named for the city of Boston, Massachusetts. This is the seventh naval ship to bear the name BOSTON. The first two fought in the Revolutionary War…This ship is one of our latest class of nuclear attack submarines, capable of attaining speeds higher than previous submarines. They are equiped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems. They are also capable of operating in direct support of aircraft carriers and other surface combatants. Thirty-seven ships of this class have been built or authorized by Congress.”
December 14, 1981: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS ATLANTA (SSN712), our 88th nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged. She is named for the city of Atlanta, Georgia…This ship is one of our latest class of nuclear attack submarines, capable of attaining speeds higher than previous submarines. They are equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems. They are also capable of operating in direct support of aircraft carriers and other surface combatants. Thirty-nine ships of this class have been built or authorized by Congress.”
January 25, 1982: “We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), our fourth nuclear powered aircraft carrier and our thirteenth nuclear powered surface warship. The ship put to sea yesterday from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia. This ship is named for the late Carl Vinson of Georgia, who served more than 50 years in the U. S. House of Representatives the longest service of any House Member in our history…The VINSON is 1092 feet long; the flight deck is over 250 feet wide, the combat load displacement is nearly 95,000 tons, and she can provide sustained support for a 100 aircraft naval air wing.”
May 25, 1982: “I deeply appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to permit me to visit with you. I also wish to thank you for your cosponsorship of the bill naming the next nuclear aircraft carrier for me.” The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-709) was launched on August 27, 1983. She was commissioned two years before his death, and was, at that time, one of only two Navy ships to be named after a living person since 1900. In overall very good to fine condition, with irregular edge toning to a couple of the letters. Accompanied by six original mailing envelopes.
