CV = containment vessel. The protective enclosure for the power plant. The orange thing is the nuclear reactor. Impressive? Well, only in that the ship sailed for 10 years without a refueling. About this time it became clear that we had some "ringers" in the tour. Engineers of some sort. Normal people don't ask "those kinds" of questions. The little guy with the green shirt was really impressed and concerned that nuclear thingies would still be lurking around. Our guide had lots of time in military an civilian power plants and assured him that he would not be standing there if that were remotely true. We are looking thru a hole in the CV and it's clear that the container was about 6' thick. They described the process of cutting the hole as "not an easy thing" to achieve. To recap, all the nuclear power does is heat water. This then heats other water in a different circulation system and generates steam. The steam goes to the turbines which power the ship. It condenses and goes back to be reheated. This unlimited heating ability means the ship can generate all the fresh water it needs... a real luxury. Let's go see some of those turbines. (Alternately, this is where all those turbines got their steam from.) Enjoy; thanks for viewing. Enjoy; thanks for viewing.