The U.S. Navy’s first submarine, commissioned in 1900, had a displacement of 75 tons and was powered by a gasoline engine having about the same power as a 1965 Volkswagen Bug. The latest submarines have displacements of up to 21,000 tons and are powered by nuclear plants large enough to supply the needs of a small city.
DMA member John Parker will walk us through submarine history over the past 123 years, touching on people, places, and events as well as changes in design and mission. During the journey he will highlight the role of Connecticut’s two (yes, two) submarine shipyards, and he will provide insights into the early days of the nuclear submarine program.
A native of Cleveland, John has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Case Institute of Technology. He also has a masters degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut, an MBA from New York University, and graduated from the Naval Reactors Nuclear Engineering School.
After graduating from Case in 1956, John was employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat where he was involved with the design, construction and testing of three advanced submarine power plants. He spent three years at the National Reactor Testing Station in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After leaving Electric Boat in 1969, he spent the remainder of his career in commercial engineering and financial management, including three years as Technical Director of Universal Oil Products’ Air Correction Division located in Darien.
Active in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers throughout his professional career, John was the 2000-2001 President of ASME, and Chair of the American Association of Engineering Societies in 2002.