Edward Casulli, vice president of Hope Creek Generating Station, learned about nuclear power in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth: a U.S. nuclear submarine.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in electrical engineering, Casulli served aboard the ballistic missile submarine USS Stonewall Jackson. About three times each year, he and approximately 130 officers and crew would venture out on 90-day ocean patrols, serving as a stealthy deterrent against nuclear attack.
Casulli had several roles during his time at sea. He was the officer in charge of the ship’s electrical division, a chemical and radiological assistant and a damage control assistant.
“The camaraderie on the submarine was fun, because you’re with your peers,” he said. “You work hard, but you also have time to play.”
He also emphasized the seriousness of the job: “Things do break on submarines. It gets your adrenaline pumping because you’re under water. You have to save yourselves, so you rely on each other. If there is a fire in the kitchen or the clothes dryer, for example, it can become very serious very quickly.”
Following his submarine service, Casulli spent two years at the Naval Nuclear Training Unit in New York, where he was responsible for training hundreds of sailors in the operation of shipboard nuclear power plants.
He joined PSEG in 1997 as a senior reactor operator candidate. During the past 23 years, he has held a wide range of positions in PSEG Nuclear, including director of operations, senior manager of plant engineering and plant manager. As vice president of Hope Creek, he is responsible for the safe operation of the plant.
The next generation steps forward
Casulli sees a lot of similarities between working on a submarine and Hope Creek. Both provide a necessary service. “At Hope Creek, we supply carbon-free energy,” he said. “And people rely on the climate-friendly power we produce.”
He added: “When the team has to work together to solve issues, usually in a rapid format, it does build a strong sense of pride among all the employees, which helps us grow closer together as we work toward a common goal.”
Casulli and his wife have two daughters. Their youngest recently graduated from Temple University with a business degree. His older daughter is a U.S. Air Force pilot who flies the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and is currently deployed overseas.
For Casulli, his older daughter represents a vital idea: serving something bigger than yourself; to sacrifice for the beliefs and rights we enjoy as Americans. That’s something that makes him proud, both as a father and a veteran.
PSEG’s deep connection to veterans is intertwined with the fabric of our company and its rich history. PSEG is proud to be named as a Top Military Friendly Employer for seven consecutive years by ROI-NJ. We also are the proud recipient of the Military Friendly Employer award, the 7 Seals award, the New Jersey “We Value Our Veterans” Governor’s Award, and recently joined the Victory Media Military Spouse Friendly Employer ranks.
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