Richard Clark wrote:

SNIP

Another point of toxicity. Because the nuclear "Boomers" contained a
closed loop environmental system, ALL such batteries were banned from
the boat irrespective of their need in ANY equipment. We had to make
do with substitutes and jury rig our own holders or means to provide a
voltage for key equipment that would work fine on surface craft.


SNIP

As an Aerospace Design Engineer [1964 - 1986] and Major Military Systems
Chief Engineer [1986 - 1992], MERCURY was/is a prohibited material in
design. Any 'only solution' conditions had to be explicitly approved by
higher authority than the PCO [Program Contracting Officer]. This
generally was understood as SPO [Systems Program Officer ... Rank 2
stars or higher].