383 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine SCIENCES, PHARMACEUTICALS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY away with a story to tell that is usually pretty entertaining.” He continues, “Mine was that I ended up in nuclear power and did my duty in the Submarine Corps.” Upon completion of Naval Nuclear Power School and prototype training, Mr. Marks was selected to remain as an instructor. “That opened a lot of doors for me,” he says. “Training seemed natural, and I was able to help a lot of individuals through a challenging program.” After completing his instructor tour, he was reassigned to new construction duty in Groton, Connecticut, where he helped build a new submarine, the USS Maryland, SSBN 738. He recalls, “That was challenging; long hours, an enormous amount of system testing, and eventually taking an unproven boat out to sea for its first maiden voyage.” He continues, “This was followed by at-sea trials, deep dive maneuvers, commissioning and several 95-day patrols.” While still enlisted, Mr. Marks earned a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Thomas Edison State Technical University and qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). After 13 years of submarine duty, Mr. Marks joined Exelon Nuclear, earning a Senior Reactor Operation (SRO) license, becoming one of approximately 5,000 SROs in the world. Some of Mr. Marks’ numerous accolades include multiple Navy Achievement Awards, Expert Marksmanship Medal, Sailor of the Year for his command and a Master Training Specialist Award. His advice to others is, “Listen to those around you; they often know more about what’s going on that you may be aware of.” Mr. Marks also says that the greatest and most fulfilling role he has is being a father. Looking toward the future, he looks forward to spending his retirement with his wife, Donai; fishing and traveling, especially in the Caribbean Islands; and spending time with his grandchildren. Eric R. Marks started his nuclear power career in the early 1980s following President Reagan’s firing of air traffic controllers when they went on strike. Finding it to be a perfect career opportunity, Mr. Marks visited a Navy recruiting office to become an air traffic controller. He says, “I think anyone who visits with a recruiter comes ERIC R. MARKS SENIOR REACTOR OPERATOR (RETIRED) Exelon Nuclear Davenport, IA
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