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|rank= [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]]
|rank= [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]]
|unit=
|unit=
|commands=USS ''Nautilus'' (SSN-571)<br/>USS ''Long Beach'' (CGN-9)<br/>USS ''Volador'' (SS-490)<br/>USS ''Sea Robin'' (SS-407)<br/>USS ''Wahoo'' (SS-565)<br/>Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
|commands={{USS|Volador|SS-490|6}}<br />{{USS|Sea Robin|SS-407|6}}<br />{{USS|Wahoo|SS-565|6}}<br />{{USS|Nautilus|SSN-571|6}}<br />{{USS|Long Beach|CGN-9|6}}<br />[[COMSUBLANT|Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]]
|battles=[[World War II]]
|battles=[[World War II]]<br />[[Korean War]]
|awards=[[Navy Distinguished Service Medal|Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Silver Star]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]]<br/>[[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]<br/>[[Navy Unit Commendation]]<br/>[[Order of the Sacred Treasure]], 2nd Class (Japan)<br/>[[Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award]]<br/>[[National Association of Wool Manufacturers|Golden Fleece Award]]<br/>[http://www.ans.org/honors/recipients/va-smyth Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award]
|awards=[[Navy Distinguished Service Medal|Distinguished Service Medal]]<br />[[Silver Star]]<br />[[Legion of Merit]]<br />[[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]<br />[[Navy Unit Commendation]]<br />[[Order of the Sacred Treasure]], 2nd Class (Japan)<br />[[Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award]]<br />[[National Association of Wool Manufacturers|Golden Fleece Award]]<br />[http://www.ans.org/honors/recipients/va-smyth Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award]
|relations=Wife, Janice; Daughter, Marian Lynn; Sons, Dennis, Stephen, and Rodney
|relations=Wife, Janice; Daughter, Marian Lynn; Sons, Dennis, Stephen, and Rodney
|laterwork=[[Institute of Nuclear Power Operations]]
|laterwork=[[Institute of Nuclear Power Operations]]
}}
}}
'''Eugene Parks "Dennis" Wilkinson''' (August 10, 1918 – July 11, 2013) was a United States Naval officer who was selected for three historic command assignments. The first, in 1954, was as the first Commanding Officer of the [[USS Nautilus (SSN-571)|USS Nautilus]], the world's first nuclear submarine. The second was in 1961, where [[Admiral Rickover]] selected him to serve as the first Commanding Officer of the [[USS Long Beach (CGN-9)|USS Long Beach]], America's first nuclear surface ship. The third was in 1980 when he was chosen as the first President and CEO of the [[Institute of Nuclear Power Operations|Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)]] from which he retired in 1984.
'''Eugene Parks "Dennis" Wilkinson''' (August 10, 1918 – July 11, 2013) was a [[United States Navy]] officer. He was selected for three historic command assignments. The first, in 1954, was as the first commanding officer of {{USS|Nautilus|SSN-571|6}}, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The second was as the first commanding officer of {{USS|Long Beach|CGN-9|6}}, America's first nuclear surface ship. The third was in 1980 when he was chosen as the first President and CEO of the [[Institute of Nuclear Power Operations|Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)]] from which he retired in 1984.


==Biography and military career==
==Biography and military career==
===Early life===
===Early life===
Wilkinson, born in August 1918 in [[Long Beach, California]], the son of Dennis William and Daisy Parks Wilkinson. He attended [[Holtville, California]], High School and [[San Diego State College]]. He graduated from the latter in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry. He taught chemistry there for a year. He also filled in and taught a course in mathematics. During this year he attended the [[University of Southern California]]. The next year he had a teaching fellowship in chemistry at USC. During those two years he completed all of the course work for a doctor’s degree but never did a thesis or received any graduate degree. Commissioned as an ensign in the [[U.S. Naval Reserve]] on 12 December 1940, he was transferred to the regular [[U.S. Navy]] on 28 August 1946.
Wilkinson, born in August 1918 in [[Long Beach, California]], the son of Dennis William and Daisy Parks Wilkinson. He attended [[Holtville, California]], High School and [[San Diego State College]]. He graduated from the latter in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry. He taught chemistry there for a year. He also filled in and taught a course in mathematics. During this year he attended the [[University of Southern California]]. The next year he had a teaching fellowship in chemistry at USC. During those two years he completed all of the course work for a doctorate, but never did a thesis or received any graduate degree. Commissioned as an ensign in the [[U.S. Naval Reserve]] on 12 December 1940, he was transferred to the regular [[U.S. Navy]] on 28 August 1946.


===Early career===
===Early career===
Wilkinson’s commissioned service began in the [[heavy cruiser]] [[USS Louisville (CA-28)|USS ''Louisville'' (CA-28)]], in which he had duty in the engineering department until December 1941.
Wilkinson's commissioned service began in the [[heavy cruiser]] {{USS|Louisville|CA-28|6}}, in which he had duty in the engineering department until December 1941.


===World War II===
===World War II===
Wilkinson was detached in [[San Francisco]], with orders to the Submarine School, [[New London, Connecticut]], for instruction in submarines. After completing the course in March 1942, he served in the engineering department of the submarine [[USS R-10 (SS-87)|USS ''R-10'']] in April and May, after which he was ordered to the submarine [[USS Blackfish (SS-221)]]. After the commissioning of that boat in July, he served on board for one year, making four war patrols. He had commissary, engineering; and electrical duties. During his time in the crew the submarine participated in the North African operation (Algeria-Morocco landings).
Wilkinson was detached in [[San Francisco]], with orders to the Submarine School, [[New London, Connecticut]], for instruction in submarines. After completing the course in March 1942, he served in the engineering department of the submarine {{USS|R-10|SS-87|6}} in April and May, after which he was ordered to the submarine {{USS|Blackfish|SS-221|6}}. After the commissioning of that boat in July, he served on board for one year, making four war patrols. He had commissary, engineering, and electrical duties. During his time in the crew the submarine participated in the North African operation (Algeria-Morocco landings).


From June 1943 to October 1944 Wilkinson was in the crew of the submarine [[USS Darter (SS-227)|USS ''Darter'' (SS-277)]] which participated in four war patrols, including the Truk attack and the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]]. Wilkinson was awarded the [[Silver Star]] for his service aboard the Darter. Officially detached from the Darter in November 1944, following her loss the previous month, he returned to the United States. From January to March 1945 he was an instructor at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut. He next served as executive officer and navigator of the submarine [[USS Menhaden (SS-377)|USS ''Menhaden'' (SS-377)]] from March to October 1945 and had similar duty on board the submarine [[USS Raton (SS-270)|USS ''Raton'' (SS-270)]].
From June 1943 to October 1944 Wilkinson was in the crew of the submarine {{USS|Darter|SS-227|6}} which participated in four war patrols, including the Truk attack and the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]]. Wilkinson was awarded the [[Silver Star]] for his service aboard ''Darter''. Officially detached from ''Darter'' in November 1944, following her loss the previous month, he returned to the United States. From January to March 1945 he was an instructor at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut. He next served as executive officer and navigator of the submarine {{USS|Menhaden|SS-377|6}} from March to October 1945 and had similar duty on board the submarine {{USS|Raton|SS-270|6}}.


===Post World War II===
===Post World War II===
Upon his transfer from the Naval Reserve to the U.S. Navy, he was ordered to the General Line School, [[Newport, Rhode Island]], where he completed the assigned course in May 1947.
Upon his transfer from the Naval Reserve to the U.S. Navy, he was ordered to the General Line School, [[Newport, Rhode Island]], where he completed the assigned course in May 1947. From June 1947 until April 1948, Wilkinson was executive officer and navigator of {{USS|Cusk|SSG-348|6}}.


Joining then-Captain [[Hyman G. Rickover]] at [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]] after passing one of the first of Rickover's many such interviews, the mathematically-gifted Wilkinson "ultimately developed the nuclear physics equations and formulas for the team...and for the final reactor design" of the prototype reactor for {{USS|Nautilus|SSN-571|6}}.<ref>Winters, Ann (2017-03-28). "Underway on Nuclear Power" -- The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN. The American Nuclear Society.</ref>
⚫
From June 1947 until April 1948, Wilkinson was executive officer and navigator of the [[USS Cusk (SSG-348)|USS ''Cusk'' (SSG-348)]]. From April 1948 to April 1950, he completed assignments at the [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]] in [[Oak Ridge, Tennessee]]; the [[Argonne National Laboratory]] in [[Chicago]] as an associate engineer, and at the [[U.S. Atomic Energy Commission]] in the [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], area, as chief of the operations branch and Bureau of Ships representative. In May 1950 he assumed command of the submarine [[USS Volador (SS-490)|USS ''Volador'' (SS-490)]] in which he participated in action in the Korean area from 12 August to 2 November 1951. From January to May 1952 he fitted out the submarine [[USS Wahoo (SS-565)|USS ''Wahoo'' (SS-565)]] and on her commissioning on 10 May of that year became her first commanding officer.


⚫
From April 1948 to April 1950, he completed assignments at the Oak Ridge; the [[Argonne National Laboratory]] in [[Chicago]] as an associate engineer, and at the [[U.S. Atomic Energy Commission]] in the [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], area, as chief of the operations branch and Bureau of Ships representative. In May 1950 he assumed command of the submarine {{USS|Volador|SS-490|6}} in which he participated in action in the Korean area from 12 August to 2 November 1951. In February 1952 Wilkinson had temporary duty for one month as commanding officer of the submarine {{USS|Sea Robin|SS-407|6}} due to an injury to the assigned CO. From January to May 1952 he fitted out the submarine {{USS|Wahoo|SS-565|6}} and on her commissioning on 10 May of that year became her first commanding officer. He was detached from ''Wahoo'' in June 1953.
In February 1952 Wilkinson had temporary duty for one month as commanding officer of the submarine [[USS Sea Robin (SS-407)]]. He was detached from the Wahoo in June 1953.


===USS Nautilus===
===USS ''Nautilus''===
He then carried out a series of temporary assignments by way of preparation for becoming prospective commanding officer of the [[USS Nautilus (SSN-571)|USS ''Nautilus'' (SSN-571)]], the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. He took command of the ship upon her commissioning on 30 September 1954 and held that billet until relieved in June 1957. During his three-year tour aboard the Nautilus, he presided over pre-commissioning and post-commissioning trials of the submarine. These trials established the capabilities of the nuclear-powered submarine and were used in the development of early nuclear-powered submarine tactics. Nautilus successfully attacked surface ships without being detected and evaded most pursuers.
Wilkinson then carried out a series of temporary assignments by way of preparation for becoming prospective commanding officer of USS ''Nautilus'', the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. He took command of the ship upon her commissioning on 30 September 1954 and held that billet until relieved in June 1957. During his three-year tour aboard ''Nautilus'', he presided over pre-commissioning and post-commissioning trials of the submarine. These trials established the capabilities of the nuclear-powered submarine and were used in the development of early nuclear-powered submarine tactics. ''Nautilus'' successfully attacked surface ships without being detected and evaded most pursuers.


At 1100 on January 17, 1955, after getting underway, Commander Wilkinson signaled "Underway on Nuclear Power."<ref>http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml</ref> This historic message ushered in the nuclear age for the United States Navy, as well as the world. CDR Wilkinson was the first commanding officer in a nuclear fleet that would eventually cover most of the aircraft carriers, several cruisers, and the entire submarine fleet for the United States Navy.
At 1100 on January 17, 1955, after getting underway, Commander Wilkinson signaled "Underway on Nuclear Power."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml |title=USS Nautilus Events |website=www.ussnautilus.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613170217/http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml |archive-date=2011-06-13}}</ref> This historic message ushered in the nuclear age for the United States Navy, as well as the world. Wilkinson was the first commanding officer in a nuclear fleet that would eventually cover most of the aircraft carriers, several cruisers, and the entire submarine fleet for the United States Navy.


===Later career===
===Later career and Admiralty===
After spending the following academic year as a student at the [[Naval War College]], Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkinson served as Commander Submarine Division 102 for a year and had brief temporary duty as commanding officer of the Nautilus. In September 1961 he became the initial commanding officer of the guided missile cruiser [[USS Long Beach (CGN-9)]], the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered surface ship. After completion of that command, he reported on 1 November 1963 as Director of the Submarine Warfare Division (OP-31), in the Office of the [[Chief of Naval Operations]], Navy Department, Washington, D.C. While in that billet he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral.
After spending the following academic year as a student at the [[Naval War College]], Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkinson served as Commander Submarine Division 102, a subunit of [[Submarine Squadron 10]] at New London, Connecticut, for a year and had brief temporary duty as commanding officer of ''Nautilus''.


In September 1959 he became the initial commanding officer of the guided missile cruiser {{USS|Long Beach|CGN-9|6}}, the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered surface ship. After completion of that command and selection for promotion to rear admiral, he reported on 1 November 1963 as Director of the Submarine Warfare Division (OP-31), in the Office of the [[Chief of Naval Operations]], Navy Department, Washington, D.C. Upon assignment to that billet he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral, six years below zone and the first non–Naval Academy graduate selected admiral after World War II. While in this role, he oversaw the development of the Navy's [[SubSafe]] program in response to the loss of {{USS|Thresher|SSN-593|6}} in April 1963. He also initiated the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board (NPEB) in the Atlantic and Pacific fleet, in which operational Navy line officers took over nuclear submarine inspection responsibilities from civilians at [[Naval Reactors]], as well as the associated Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination (ORSE).<ref>Winters, Ann (2017-03-28). Underway on Nuclear Power! The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN (Kindle Locations 6065-6066). The American Nuclear Society. Kindle Edition.</ref>
⚫
On 23 November 1966, he assumed duties as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Forces in Japan. After earning the [[Distinguished Service Medal (US Navy)|Distinguished Service Medal]] for his service in Japan, Admiral Wilkinson assumed command of Submarine Flotilla Two on 6 June 1969. He was promoted to vice admiral upon becoming Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force on 12 February 1970. He had additional duty as Submarine Operations Advisor for Polaris Operations, Atlantic Command and Supreme Allied Command Atlantic, Commander Submarines Allied Command, and Commander Submarine Force Western Atlantic. His final billet on active duty, from 1972 to 1974, was as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Submarine Warfare), OP-02, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.


⚫
On 23 November 1966, he assumed duties as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Forces in Japan. After earning the [[Distinguished Service Medal (US Navy)|Distinguished Service Medal]] for his service in Japan, Admiral Wilkinson assumed command of [[Submarine Group 2|Submarine Flotilla 2]] on 6 June 1969. He was promoted to vice admiral upon becoming Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force on 12 February 1970. He had additional duty as Submarine Operations Advisor for Polaris Operations, Atlantic Command and Supreme Allied Command Atlantic, Commander Submarines Allied Command, and Commander Submarine Force Western Atlantic. His final billet on active duty, from 1972 to 1974, was as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Submarine Warfare), OP-02, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
⚫
He retired with the rank of [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]], having commanded the [[Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]] from 1970 to 1972 and served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare from 1972 to 1974.


⚫
He retired with the rank of [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]], having commanded the [[Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]] (COMSUBLANT) from 1970 to 1972 as its first nuclear-trained officer, and served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare from 1972 until his retirement in 1974.
He died on July 11, 2013.<ref>http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130715/NEWS04/307150022/First-CO-command-nuclear-sub-dies</ref>

He died on July 11, 2013.<ref>http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130715/NEWS04/307150022/First-CO-command-nuclear-sub-dies {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> A biography on his life was published in 2017 by the [[American Nuclear Society]].<ref>Winters, Ann. "Underway on Nuclear Power" -- The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN. The American Nuclear Society.</ref>


==Honors and awards==
==Honors and awards==


During his noteworthy naval career, Admiral Wilkinson earned:<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_bio.shtml |title = VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson (retired)|accessdate = 2007-01-15|publisher = United States Navy Submarine Force Museum}}</ref>
During his noteworthy naval career, Admiral Wilkinson earned:<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_bio.shtml|title = VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson (retired)|accessdate = 2007-01-15|publisher = United States Navy Submarine Force Museum|archive-date = 2010-05-19|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100519150236/http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_bio.shtml|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* [[File:Submarine Officer badge.jpg|100px]]
* [[File:Navy Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Distinguished Service Medal]] with two gold stars (3 awards - 1969, 1972, 1974)
* [[File:Navy Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Distinguished Service Medal]] with two gold stars (3 awards - 1969, 1972, 1974)
* [[File:SilverStar.gif|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Silver Star]] (1944)
* [[File:Silver Star ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Silver Star]] (1944)
* [[File:Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Legion of Merit]] (1953)
* [[File:Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Legion of Merit]] (1953)
* [[File:Joint Service Commendation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Commendation Medal|Joint Service Commendation Medal]] (1964)
* [[File:Joint Service Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Commendation Medal|Joint Service Commendation Medal]] (1964)
* [[File:Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Unit Commendation]] (1944)
* [[File:Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Unit Commendation]] (1944)
* [[American Defense Service Medal]] with "FLEET" clasp
* {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}[[American Defense Service Medal]] with "FLEET" clasp
* [[American Campaign Medal]]
* [[File:American Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[American Campaign Medal]]
* [[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]] with four [[battle stars]]
* {{ribbon devices|number=4|type=service-star|ribbon=Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon.svg|width=60}}[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal]] with four [[battle stars]]
* [[European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal]] with one [[battle star]]
* {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon.svg|width=60}}[[European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal]] with one [[battle star]]
* [[File:World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[World War II Victory Medal]]
* [[China Service Medal]]
* [[National Defense Service Medal]] with star
* [[File:China Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[China Service Medal]]
* {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}[[National Defense Service Medal]] with star
* [[Korean Service Medal]]
* [[United Nations Service Medal]]
* [[File:Korean Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Korean Service Medal]]
* [[File:United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[United Nations Korea Medal]]
* [[Philippine Liberation Medal]]
* [[File:Order of the Sacred Treasure ribbon.JPG|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Order of the Sacred Treasure]], Second Class. (Japan) (1969)<ref>[http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/index.asp?navig=catalogue&obj=article&no=8245 L'Harmattan web site (in French)]<!-- This is probably a wrong ref. --></ref>
* [[File:Phliber rib.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Philippine Liberation Medal]]
* [[File:JPN Zuiho-sho (WW2) 2Class BAR.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Order of the Sacred Treasure]], Second Class (Japan) (1969)<ref>[http://www.editions-harmattan.fr/index.asp?navig=catalogue&obj=article&no=8245 L'Harmattan web site (in French)]<!-- This is probably a wrong ref. --></ref>
* 1955 [[National Association of Wool Manufacturers|Golden Fleece Award]] (National Association of Wool Manufacturers) <!-- This award was "Golden Fleece Award: National Association of Wool Manufacturers 1. 1950; 3. achievement in the arts, professions and industry; 4. anyone without restriction; 5. golden ram letter opener; 6. A (Spring); 7. National Assn. Wool Mfrs., 386 Fourth Av., N.Y.C. 16.*Jacqueline Cochran; Thomas E. Dewey; William F.Talbert; Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, U.S.N." working on reference link -->
* 1955 [[National Association of Wool Manufacturers|Golden Fleece Award]] (National Association of Wool Manufacturers) <!-- This award was "Golden Fleece Award: National Association of Wool Manufacturers 1. 1950; 3. achievement in the arts, professions and industry; 4. anyone without restriction; 5. golden ram letter opener; 6. A (Spring); 7. National Assn. Wool Mfrs., 386 Fourth Av., N.Y.C. 16.*Jacqueline Cochran; Thomas E. Dewey; William F.Talbert; Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, U.S.N." working on reference link -->
* [[File:Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia.png|100px]] [[Submarine Combat Patrol insignia]] with three bronze service star


After retiring from the Navy Admiral Wilkinson received the following awards:
After retiring from the Navy Admiral Wilkinson received the following awards:
* 1976 [[File:NavMeritMed.gif|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award|Navy Meritorious Public Service Award]]
* 1976 [[File:NavMeritMed.gif|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award]]
* 1983 George Washington Gold Medal [[American Society of Mechanical Engineers|ASME]]
* 1983 George Washington Gold Medal [[American Society of Mechanical Engineers|ASME]]
* 1984 [https://books.google.com/books?q=Eugen+Wilkinson+1984+%22Oliver+Townsend%22&btnG=Search+Books Oliver Townsend Medal]
* 1984 [https://books.google.com/books?q=Eugen+Wilkinson+1984+%22Oliver+Townsend%22&btnG=Search+Books Oliver Townsend Medal]
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{{Portal|Biography}}
{{Portal|Biography}}


[http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml Remarks by VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, USN (ret.)] First Commanding Officer of USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) 50th Anniversary of NAUTILUS' First Underway on Nuclear Power Submarine Force Museum Monday, January 17, 2005 <!-- Great source for and includes anecdotes about that historical message, "Underway on Nuclear Power." --><br/>
[http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml Remarks by VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, USN (ret.)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613170217/http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/2005Jan1750thAnnUnderNP/Wilkinson_speech.shtml |date=2011-06-13 }} First Commanding Officer of USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) 50th Anniversary of NAUTILUS' First Underway on Nuclear Power Submarine Force Museum Monday, January 17, 2005 <!-- Great source for and includes anecdotes about that historical message, "Underway on Nuclear Power." --><br />
Wilkinson, Eugene P., Stillwell, Paul, (interviewer). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/73501313?referer=di&ht=edition The Reminiscences of Vice Admiral Eugen P. Wilkinson U.S. Navy (Retired)].'' Annapolis: [[U.S. Naval Institute]], 2006. [[Online Computer Library Center|OCLC]] {{OCLC|73501313}}<br/>
Wilkinson, Eugene P., Stillwell, Paul, (interviewer). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/73501313?referer=di&ht=edition The Reminiscences of Vice Admiral Eugen P. Wilkinson U.S. Navy (Retired)].'' Annapolis: [[U.S. Naval Institute]], 2006. [[Online Computer Library Center|OCLC]] {{OCLC|73501313}}<br />
Stillwell, Paul, ed. [http://www.amazon.com/dp/1591148413 ''Submarine Stories: Recollections from the Diesel Boats.''] 2007.
Stillwell, Paul, ed. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591148413 ''Submarine Stories: Recollections from the Diesel Boats.''] 2007.


==References==
==References==
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{USGovernment|sourceURL=[http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/cno/n87/history/pioneers4.html]}}<!-- Page not found -->
{{USGovernment|url=http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/cno/n87/history/pioneers4.html|agency=United States Navy}}<!-- Page not found -->


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilkinson, Eugene}}
[[Category:1918 births]]
[[Category:1918 births]]
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[[Category:American military personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:2013 deaths]]
[[Category:2013 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Long Beach, California]]
[[Category:People from Long Beach, California]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:San Diego State University alumni]]
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[[Category:United States Navy personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
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[[Category:United States submarine commanders]]
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[[Category:United States Navy personnel of the Korean War]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:United States Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Sacred Treasure]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Sacred Treasure]]
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[[Category:United States Navy admirals]]
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[[Category:United States submarine commanders]]
[[Category:San Diego State University alumni]]
[[Category:Members of the United States National Academy of Engineering]]
[[Category:Members of the United States National Academy of Engineering]]
[[Category:Military personnel from California]]

Latest revision as of 14:14, 24 September 2023

Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Vice Admiral Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Nickname(s)Dennis
Born(1918-08-10)August 10, 1918
Long Beach, California
DiedJuly 11, 2013(2013-07-11) (aged 94)
Del Mar, California
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1940–1974
RankVice Admiral
Commands heldUSS Volador
USS Sea Robin
USS Wahoo
USS Nautilus
USS Long Beach
Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Order of the Sacred Treasure, 2nd Class (Japan)
Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Golden Fleece Award
Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award
RelationsWife, Janice; Daughter, Marian Lynn; Sons, Dennis, Stephen, and Rodney
Other workInstitute of Nuclear Power Operations

Eugene Parks "Dennis" Wilkinson (August 10, 1918 – July 11, 2013) was a United States Navy officer. He was selected for three historic command assignments. The first, in 1954, was as the first commanding officer of USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The second was as the first commanding officer of USS Long Beach, America's first nuclear surface ship. The third was in 1980 when he was chosen as the first President and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) from which he retired in 1984.

Biography and military career[edit]

Early life[edit]

Wilkinson, born in August 1918 in Long Beach, California, the son of Dennis William and Daisy Parks Wilkinson. He attended Holtville, California, High School and San Diego State College. He graduated from the latter in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry. He taught chemistry there for a year. He also filled in and taught a course in mathematics. During this year he attended the University of Southern California. The next year he had a teaching fellowship in chemistry at USC. During those two years he completed all of the course work for a doctorate, but never did a thesis or received any graduate degree. Commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve on 12 December 1940, he was transferred to the regular U.S. Navy on 28 August 1946.

Early career[edit]

Wilkinson's commissioned service began in the heavy cruiser USS Louisville, in which he had duty in the engineering department until December 1941.

World War II[edit]

Wilkinson was detached in San Francisco, with orders to the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut, for instruction in submarines. After completing the course in March 1942, he served in the engineering department of the submarine USS R-10 in April and May, after which he was ordered to the submarine USS Blackfish. After the commissioning of that boat in July, he served on board for one year, making four war patrols. He had commissary, engineering, and electrical duties. During his time in the crew the submarine participated in the North African operation (Algeria-Morocco landings).

From June 1943 to October 1944 Wilkinson was in the crew of the submarine USS Darter which participated in four war patrols, including the Truk attack and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Wilkinson was awarded the Silver Star for his service aboard Darter. Officially detached from Darter in November 1944, following her loss the previous month, he returned to the United States. From January to March 1945 he was an instructor at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut. He next served as executive officer and navigator of the submarine USS Menhaden from March to October 1945 and had similar duty on board the submarine USS Raton.

Post World War II[edit]

Upon his transfer from the Naval Reserve to the U.S. Navy, he was ordered to the General Line School, Newport, Rhode Island, where he completed the assigned course in May 1947. From June 1947 until April 1948, Wilkinson was executive officer and navigator of USS Cusk.

Joining then-Captain Hyman G. Rickover at Oak Ridge National Laboratory after passing one of the first of Rickover's many such interviews, the mathematically-gifted Wilkinson "ultimately developed the nuclear physics equations and formulas for the team...and for the final reactor design" of the prototype reactor for USS Nautilus.[1]

From April 1948 to April 1950, he completed assignments at the Oak Ridge; the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago as an associate engineer, and at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area, as chief of the operations branch and Bureau of Ships representative. In May 1950 he assumed command of the submarine USS Volador in which he participated in action in the Korean area from 12 August to 2 November 1951. In February 1952 Wilkinson had temporary duty for one month as commanding officer of the submarine USS Sea Robin due to an injury to the assigned CO. From January to May 1952 he fitted out the submarine USS Wahoo and on her commissioning on 10 May of that year became her first commanding officer. He was detached from Wahoo in June 1953.

USS Nautilus[edit]

Wilkinson then carried out a series of temporary assignments by way of preparation for becoming prospective commanding officer of USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. He took command of the ship upon her commissioning on 30 September 1954 and held that billet until relieved in June 1957. During his three-year tour aboard Nautilus, he presided over pre-commissioning and post-commissioning trials of the submarine. These trials established the capabilities of the nuclear-powered submarine and were used in the development of early nuclear-powered submarine tactics. Nautilus successfully attacked surface ships without being detected and evaded most pursuers.

At 1100 on January 17, 1955, after getting underway, Commander Wilkinson signaled "Underway on Nuclear Power."[2] This historic message ushered in the nuclear age for the United States Navy, as well as the world. Wilkinson was the first commanding officer in a nuclear fleet that would eventually cover most of the aircraft carriers, several cruisers, and the entire submarine fleet for the United States Navy.

Later career and Admiralty[edit]

After spending the following academic year as a student at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkinson served as Commander Submarine Division 102, a subunit of Submarine Squadron 10 at New London, Connecticut, for a year and had brief temporary duty as commanding officer of Nautilus.

In September 1959 he became the initial commanding officer of the guided missile cruiser USS Long Beach, the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered surface ship. After completion of that command and selection for promotion to rear admiral, he reported on 1 November 1963 as Director of the Submarine Warfare Division (OP-31), in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. Upon assignment to that billet he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral, six years below zone and the first non–Naval Academy graduate selected admiral after World War II. While in this role, he oversaw the development of the Navy's SubSafe program in response to the loss of USS Thresher in April 1963. He also initiated the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board (NPEB) in the Atlantic and Pacific fleet, in which operational Navy line officers took over nuclear submarine inspection responsibilities from civilians at Naval Reactors, as well as the associated Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination (ORSE).[3]

On 23 November 1966, he assumed duties as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Forces in Japan. After earning the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in Japan, Admiral Wilkinson assumed command of Submarine Flotilla 2 on 6 June 1969. He was promoted to vice admiral upon becoming Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force on 12 February 1970. He had additional duty as Submarine Operations Advisor for Polaris Operations, Atlantic Command and Supreme Allied Command Atlantic, Commander Submarines Allied Command, and Commander Submarine Force Western Atlantic. His final billet on active duty, from 1972 to 1974, was as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Submarine Warfare), OP-02, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.

He retired with the rank of Vice Admiral, having commanded the Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT) from 1970 to 1972 as its first nuclear-trained officer, and served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare from 1972 until his retirement in 1974.

He died on July 11, 2013.[4] A biography on his life was published in 2017 by the American Nuclear Society.[5]

Honors and awards[edit]

During his noteworthy naval career, Admiral Wilkinson earned:[6]

After retiring from the Navy Admiral Wilkinson received the following awards:

See also[edit]

Remarks by VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, USN (ret.) Archived 2011-06-13 at the Wayback Machine First Commanding Officer of USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) 50th Anniversary of NAUTILUS' First Underway on Nuclear Power Submarine Force Museum Monday, January 17, 2005
Wilkinson, Eugene P., Stillwell, Paul, (interviewer). The Reminiscences of Vice Admiral Eugen P. Wilkinson U.S. Navy (Retired). Annapolis: U.S. Naval Institute, 2006. OCLC OCLC 73501313
Stillwell, Paul, ed. Submarine Stories: Recollections from the Diesel Boats. 2007.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Winters, Ann (2017-03-28). "Underway on Nuclear Power" -- The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN. The American Nuclear Society.
  2. ^ "USS Nautilus Events". www.ussnautilus.org. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13.
  3. ^ Winters, Ann (2017-03-28). Underway on Nuclear Power! The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN (Kindle Locations 6065-6066). The American Nuclear Society. Kindle Edition.
  4. ^ http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130715/NEWS04/307150022/First-CO-command-nuclear-sub-dies [dead link]
  5. ^ Winters, Ann. "Underway on Nuclear Power" -- The Man Behind the Words: Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson, Vice Admiral USN. The American Nuclear Society.
  6. ^ "VADM Eugene P. "Dennis" Wilkinson (retired)". United States Navy Submarine Force Museum. Archived from the original on 2010-05-19. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  7. ^ L'Harmattan web site (in French)
  8. ^ News Release Nuclear Energy Institute "Wilkinson Receives Nuclear Statesman Award for Shaping Commercial Nuclear Program That Promotes Excellence" ... "... during his tenure as the first president of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)
  9. ^ "Walter H. Zinn Award recipients". Honors and Awards, Recipients. American Nuclear Society. Retrieved February 14, 2011.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Navy

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