Duane Hershey

Utilized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software to monitor and operate remote hydroelectric dams and generators.

Performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of system operating parameters to troubleshoot faults and provide assistance in equipment restoration.

Communicated with Regional Transmission Organizations, environmental, and regulatory agencies to ensure continuous compliance.

Collaborated with management and engineers to develop Operating Procedures to standardize operations, and provide input on engineering practices when abnormal conditions existed.

Supervised the operation of the submarine's power plant, including the reactor, steam plant, propulsion systems, and auxiliary equipment, ensuring compliance with directed parameters.

Provided leadership and mentorship to junior officer and enlisted crew members, providing guidance and training in nuclear power plant operations and maintenance.

Performed in and assisted senior crew members in developing drill scenarios, ensuring proper casualty response training was provided while ensuring reactor power plant safety. Provided feedback to crew members and documented specific teaching points for future training.

Performed Root Cause Analysis when errors occurred, and ensured root causes, lessons learned, and corrective actions were disseminated to crew members with immediate feedback and implemented into the Continuous Training Program.

Performed reactor startups, shutdowns, steady state operations, and casualty response onboard a submarine pressurized water reactor in accordance with approved procedures.

Calculated control rod positions for startup, reactivity conditions, and nuclear instrumentation alignment constants.

Performed preventative and corrective maintenance on the reactors instrumentation and controls systems, to include pressure, temperature, level, and radiation monitoring detectors. Developed and implemented a Preventative Maintenance Program in accordance with Navy instruction and performed repairs and retests of reactor I&C equipment.

Provided oversight for operators in training on proper reactor operations, theory, and maintenance.

Selected as a Junior Staff Instructor from previously being a student, provided keen insights to students in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program to ensure qualified candidates advanced within program.

Provided knowledge checks to students in regards to reactor system design, instrumentation and control design, reactor safety and theory, and casualty response. Utilized computerized training equipment to test the students knowledge and gain proficiency.

Performed daily reactor startup and shutdowns with students to gain practical hands on knowledge and experience prior to advancing to fleet nuclear operations.

Participated in site wide audits and casualty drills, utilizing understanding of the integrated systems shared within the complex between different projects.