Nuclear-trained Sailors, Considered the Navy’s ‘Best and Brightest,’ Face Mental Health Challenges

[Tony]

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. — Nuclear operators are considered the Navy’s “best and brightest,” with only the top-scoring applicants gaining acceptance into the prestigious training program. But a dozen current and former nuclear-trained sailors, as well as loved ones of such operators who have died by suicide, said the unique challenges and pressures of the job have led some to suffer from severe mental health issues beginning at the school and extending well beyond graduation.