Carter began a six-month nuclear power plant operations course intended to prepare him for USS Seawolf, the second planned American nuclear submarine. His nuclear association had already included Naval Reactors duty and work connected with Chalk River, but it never led to sea service in a nuclear boat. His father's death from pancreatic cancer in July 1953 forced a decision between the new program and the family farm. Carter requested release from active duty because no one else was positioned to take over the business. Rosalynn and other relatives regarded the move as a major professional step backward, showing the cost of Carter's responsibility-first choice.
Chapter · 28:40-30:24
USS Seawolf plans end with a family duty
Carter trained for USS Seawolf but left active duty after his father's death, before he could serve at sea in a nuclear submarine.