§333 Special bonus and incentive pay authorities for nuclear officers

Summary

Lets the Secretary of the Navy pay bonuses and extra incentive pay to people who work with naval nuclear propulsion plants. People eligible are those picked for naval nuclear power training who agree to serve afterward, and those who already have the required technical qualifications and agree to stay on active duty. Officers who are entitled to basic pay can get incentive pay if they stay on active duty for a set time and keep their qualifications. The Secretary can set extra rules and decides the payment amounts, but a bonus cannot be more than $75,000 for each 12‑month period and incentive pay cannot be more than $25,000 for each 12‑month period. Payments can be one lump sum or in installments. Eligible people must sign a written agreement that fixes the amount, how it will be paid, the required service time, and the service conditions. An officer can replace an existing agreement with a new one only if the new deal pays more and lasts at least as long as the old one; the old agreement is then ended at the proper anniversary date. These payments are in addition to other pay, but a person cannot get a payment under this rule and payments under sections 332 or 353 for the same skill and period. If someone fails to finish training, keep qualifications, complete the service, or meet the agreed conditions, they must repay under section 373. The Secretary of the Navy will make rules to run the program. No new agreements may be made after December 31, 2026.