Eugene Parks Wilkinson

Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Vice Admiral Eugene Parks Wilkinson
Nickname(s)Dennis
Born(1918-08-10)August 10, 1918
Long Beach, California
DiedJuly 11, 2013(2013-07-11) (aged 94)
Del Mar, California
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1940–1974
RankVice Admiral
CommandsUSS Volador
USS Sea Robin
USS Wahoo
USS Nautilus
USS Long Beach
Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Order of the Sacred Treasure, 2nd Class (Japan)
Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Golden Fleece Award
Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award
RelationsWife, Janice; Daughter, Marian Lynn; Sons, Dennis, Stephen, and Rodney
Other workInstitute of Nuclear Power Operations

Eugene Parks "Dennis" Wilkinson (August 10, 1918 – July 11, 2013) was a United States Navy officer. He was selected for three historic command assignments. The first, in 1954, was as the first commanding officer of USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The second was as the first commanding officer of USS Long Beach, America's first nuclear surface ship. The third was in 1980 when he was chosen as the first President and CEO of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) from which he retired in 1984.