Time and Tide
Sailing On The NS Savannah
Editor's Note: Herbert Phelps '57 sailed aboard the NS Savannah for 10
years and provided his first hand observations to supplement this issue's
"Time and Tide" column by Robert Moody '68.
The designers of the NS Savannah used a C4 Mariner hull that they
modified to contain an 80 MW PWR nuclear reactor in the No. 4 hold. The
house interior was a real showplace consisting of cabins for 60 passengers,
three large lounges/public spaces, and a swimming pool. The engine and
reactor rooms were enclosed with a glass viewing area, which we dubbed
the "fish bowl." Three transportation and 14 engineering grads from
MMA plus other grads from KP, Massachusetts Maritime, and California
Maritime operated the ship for American Export Lines.
We visited all the major ports in Europe, the Mediterranean, and United
Kingdom, staying five days in each port. Receptions on board were held
for royalty and distinguished guests. All off-duty officers were invited to
receptions but we had to wear dress blues ­ a small price to pay for the free
refreshments.
Each engine room four-hour watch consisted of a senior control room
supervisor, a reactor operator, a steam plant operator, and an auxiliary
plant operator. We relied heavily on the two diesel auxiliary alternators
when "things got dicey." On one fall trip, we hit a major hurricane. The
heavy pitching caused a false low-level signal and the reactor "scrammed"
(shutdown). The diesel engines provided power to the emergency "take
home motor," which helped to keep us headed into the wind. We all hung
onto anything we could find and talked to the "nuclear higher power" to get
us through!"
49 MARINER / FALL 2012

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