; 122 Stat. 303) required that the United States construct all major combatant vessels of the strike forces of the Navy with integrated nuclear power systems. (b) Assessment The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall assess the ability of thorium-fueled nuclear reactors to meet the power generation needs of the Navy. (c) Elements The assessment under subsection (b) shall include— (1) an identification of the benefits to naval operations of incorporating thorium-liquid-fueled nuclear reactors or uranium reactors into a range of naval vessels (including major surface combatants and conventionally fueled ships), including identification of any such benefits with respect to— (A) fuel cycle, from mining of fuel to disposal of fuel waste; (B) security of the fuel supply; (C) power needs for advanced weapons and sensors; (D) safety and operations, waste handling and disposal, and proliferation issues compared to uranium reactors; (E) refueling and logistics; (F) ship upgrades and retrofitting; (G) manning levels; (H) global range at flank speed, greater forward presence, and extended combat operations; (I) power for advanced sensors and weapons, including electromagnetic guns and lasers; (J) survivability due to increased performance and reduced signatures; (K) high-power density propulsion; (L) operational tempo; (M) operational effectiveness; and (N) estimated cost effectiveness; and (2) an analysis of the domestic supply chain of thorium, including a description of— (A) domestic reserves; (B) operational mines; (C) separation and refinement capabilities