Nuclear carriers need rare repair infrastructure

Why cannot an ordinary large dry dock simply repair a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier?

Beyond size, it needs nuclear certification, specialist monitoring and handling systems, trained support, and the ability to receive a potentially damaged nuclear vessel.

Repairing a nuclear carrier requires both a dock large enough for the hull and certification for nuclear work. Monitoring equipment, trained personnel, handling arrangements, and systems able to sustain the ship's power status all belong to that infrastructure. The host community and authorities must also be willing to receive a potentially damaged nuclear vessel. Suitable facilities are scarce because nuclear naval work is normally retained within government-supported infrastructure rather than ordinary commercial yards.