Apostle and Nuclear Physicist

Elder Scott & Admiral Rickover [Ensign, June 1997, “Do What Is Right”, pp. 52-53]

Elder Richard G. Scott tells a story of how he worked for 11 years for Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy. Elder Scott received a call from the First Presidency to preside over a mission. He informed Admiral Rickover that he would have to quit. Admiral Rickover became upset, swore, broke the paper tray on his desk, and accused him of being a traitor to his country.

He said “I never will talk to you again. You are finished, not only here, but don’t ever plan to work in the nuclear field again ... If that’s the way Mormons act, I don’t want any of them working for me.”

Elder Scott was concerned that other members of the Church would be hurt, but the Spirit told him to do what is right, let the consequence follow. Over the next two months, Elder Scott trained his replacement. The Admiral ceased to speak to him and they had to communicate through a third party.

Elder Scott then tells what happened next:

My last day in the office I asked for an appointment with him. His secretary gasped. I went with a copy of the Book of Mormon in my hand. He looked at me and said, “Sit down, Scott, what do you have? I have tried every way I can to force you to change. What is it you have?” There followed a very interesting, quiet conversation. There was more listening this time. He said he would read the Book of Mormon. Then something I never thought would occur happened. He added: “When you come back from the mission, I want you to call me. There will be a job for you.”
From Elder Scott’s experience, we learn that we must be committed to do the right thing no matter the cost. We must trust the Lord. Also, we must not give up on those who seem to be in the opposition. Hearts can be changed.

Elder Scott & Admiral Rickover [Ensign, June 1997, “Do What Is Right”, pp. 52-53]

**Elder Scott performed our wedding ceremony in 1982