On September 4, 2025, Midshipman Eric Realmuto completed the rigorous technical interview process to earn a position as a Naval Reactors Engineer in the United States Navy. This interview occurred at Naval Reactors Engineering Headquarters in Washington D.C., and included two technical engineering interviews and an interview with Admiral William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Selection as a Naval Reactor Engineer is one of the most competitive selection processes in the Navy.
Eric Realmuto is a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipman second-class studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida. He conducts research with Dr. Kyle C. Hartig’s OSN Group which focuses on laser remote sensing and plasmas for national security applications. Additionally, he conducted an internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory working in the Materials Science Division over this past summer, and an internship at Undersea Warfighting Development Center gaining operational experience with Unmanned Undersea Vehicles and their naval application.
Upon graduation, Eric Realmuto will commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy and begin his career as a Naval Reactors Engineer. MIDN 2/C Realmuto will provide oversight for the fleet of over 80 nuclear-powered ships and submarines. He will conduct the engineering analysis required to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation.
Congratulations to MIDN 2/C Eric Realmuto for his selection as a Naval Reactors Engineer!
Story by: Lieutenant Chris Bognar
University of Florida NROTC