Idaho Public Television's "Idaho's Nuclear Navy" Boise Premier - March 11, 2024

The USS IDAHO Commissioning Committee, Idaho Public Television, and the Idaho State Historical Society organized the Boise premier of "Idaho's Nuclear Navy" at the Egyptian Theatre. Governor Brad Little and former Governor Dirk Kempthorne gave remarks to the sold-out crowd. Photos by Becky Vanshur except where noted.

Idaho Historical Society Executive Director Janet Gallimore described the preservation project.

Idaho Public Television General Manager Jeff Tucker described the process of making the documentary.

"Idaho's Nuclear Navy" tells the story of Idaho's remarkable contributions to the U.S. Navy through nuclear reactor research near Idaho Falls and sonar stealth technology on Lake Pend Orielle in North Idaho.

In the early fifties, the U.S. Navy under the leadership of Admiral Hyman Rickover was hard at work developing a nuclear-powered engine to drive submarines and aircraft carriers. The efforts created the Naval Reactors Facility in the desert outside Idaho Falls. Idaho Public Television, working with the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office told Idaho’s part in creating the U.S. Nuclear Navy.

The documentary introduces Admiral Hymen G. Rickover, the father of the Nuclear Navy. Photo by David Habben.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion between Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Idaho Public Television Producer Aaron Kunz, Naval Nuclear Laboratory's David Honabach, and Idaho Public Television Executive Producer Bill Manny.

Gov. Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little talk with Gill Pratt, manager of the Idaho Branch of Naval Reactors.

Then Governor Dirk Kempthorne concluded the evening by leading the audience in the USS IDAHO battle cry.

Major General Michael Garshak, Adjutant General of the Idaho National Guard attended the screening.

Southwest Idaho Regional Chair Tom Dale talks about the USS IDAHO.

Advisory Board member Don Mitchelle points out the features of a Virginia-class submarine.

Photo by David Habben.