Eugene Parks Wilkinson facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Vice Admiral Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Nickname(s)	Dennis
Born	(1918-08-10)August 10, 1918 Long Beach, California
Died	July 11, 2013(2013-07-11) (aged 94) Del Mar, California
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1940–1974
Rank	Vice Admiral
Commands held	USS Volador USS Sea Robin USS Wahoo USS Nautilus USS Long Beach Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War
Awards	Distinguished 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
Relations	Wife, Janice; Daughter, Marian Lynn; Sons, Dennis, Stephen, and Rodney
Other work	Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

Eugene Parks "Dennis" Wilkinson (born August 10, 1918 – died July 11, 2013) was a brave officer in the United States Navy. He was chosen for three very important leadership roles in his career.

First, in 1954, he became the very first commanding officer of the USS Nautilus. This was the world's first submarine powered by nuclear energy! Second, he was the first commanding officer of the USS Long Beach. This was America's first surface ship that used nuclear power. Third, in 1980, he became the first President and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). He retired from this role in 1984.

Life and Naval Career
Honors and Awards
See also

Life and Naval Career

Early Years and Education

Eugene Wilkinson was born in August 1918 in Long Beach, California. His parents were Dennis William and Daisy Parks Wilkinson. He went to Holtville High School and then to San Diego State College.

In 1938, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on chemistry. He even taught chemistry at the college for a year. During this time, he also studied at the University of Southern California. He completed many courses for a doctorate degree.

Starting His Naval Journey

Wilkinson joined the U.S. Naval Reserve as an ensign on December 12, 1940. Later, on August 28, 1946, he officially joined the regular U.S. Navy.

His first job in the Navy was on the heavy cruiser USS Louisville. He worked in the engineering department until December 1941.

Serving in World War II

Wilkinson was sent to Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. He learned all about submarines there. After finishing the course in March 1942, he worked on the submarine USS R-10.

He then joined the submarine USS Blackfish in July. He served on this submarine for one year. During this time, he went on four war patrols. He helped with many duties, including engineering. The submarine also took part in the North African operation.

From June 1943 to October 1944, Wilkinson served on the submarine USS Darter. He went on four more war patrols with this submarine. These included the Truk attack and the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf. Wilkinson received the Silver Star award for his brave service on the Darter.

After the Darter was lost in October 1944, he returned to the United States. From January to March 1945, he taught at the Submarine School. He then served as the executive officer and navigator on two other submarines. These were the USS Menhaden and the USS Raton.

After World War II

After the war, Wilkinson transferred to the U.S. Navy. He attended the General Line School in Newport, Rhode Island. He finished his course there in May 1947. From June 1947 to April 1948, he was the executive officer and navigator of USS Cusk.

Wilkinson then joined Captain Hyman G. Rickover at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Wilkinson was very good at math. He helped create the important physics equations for the first nuclear reactor design. This reactor was for the prototype of the USS Nautilus.

From April 1948 to April 1950, he worked at several important places. These included Oak Ridge and the Argonne National Laboratory. He also worked at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in Pittsburgh.

In May 1950, he took command of the submarine USS Volador. He served in the Korean area from August to November 1951. In February 1952, he briefly commanded the submarine USS Sea Robin. From January to May 1952, he helped prepare the submarine USS Wahoo. When it was ready on May 10, he became its first commanding officer. He left the Wahoo in June 1953.

Commanding the USS Nautilus

Wilkinson prepared to become the commanding officer of the USS Nautilus. This was a very special submarine because it was the world's first nuclear-powered one. He took command when the ship was officially ready on September 30, 1954. He led the Nautilus until June 1957.

During his three years on the Nautilus, he oversaw its tests. These tests showed how amazing nuclear-powered submarines were. They helped the Navy learn how to use these new submarines. The Nautilus could attack other ships without being seen. It could also escape from most ships trying to chase it.

On January 17, 1955, Commander Wilkinson sent a historic message: "Underway on Nuclear Power." This moment began the nuclear age for the United States Navy. Wilkinson was the first leader in a nuclear fleet. This fleet would later include many aircraft carriers, cruisers, and all U.S. Navy submarines.

Rising Through the Ranks

After his time on the Nautilus, Wilkinson studied at the Naval War College. He then commanded Submarine Division 102 for a year. He also had a short temporary duty commanding the Nautilus again.

In September 1959, he became the first commanding officer of the USS Long Beach. This was the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered surface ship. After this command, he was chosen to become a rear admiral.

On November 1, 1963, he became the Director of the Submarine Warfare Division. He was promoted to rear admiral at this time. He was the first non-Naval Academy graduate to become an admiral after World War II. In this role, he helped create the Navy's SubSafe program. This program made submarines safer after the USS Thresher was lost in 1963. He also started new inspection programs for nuclear submarines.

On November 23, 1966, he became the Chief of Staff for U.S. Forces in Japan. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his work there. Admiral Wilkinson then took command of Submarine Flotilla 2 on June 6, 1969.

He was promoted to vice admiral on February 12, 1970. He became the Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force. He was the first nuclear-trained officer to hold this position. His final job before retiring was Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Submarine Warfare). He held this role from 1972 to 1974.

He retired as a Vice Admiral in 1974. He passed away on July 11, 2013. A book about his life was published in 2017.