Okay, I have to address this:
I think you are very much underrating yourself. You don't need to be any kind of operator and with your qualifications you should soot for something higher. Any utility would appreciate the talent you bring, as would the US DOE. Shoot higher.
Shoot "higher"? I'm not sure what plant or plants you have worked at but everywhere I've known the Operations department is respected (even if frequently complained about!). When it comes down to it, they are the ones with their hands on the controls.
I have known multiple former Navy officers come to their plants' Ops department, whether as direct SROs or NLOs, and have success, whether that means going on to get a license, progressing in a different department or plant... or simply remaining in the role they initially worked in. A lot of folks consider the work of a non-licensed field operator in particular to be the best "money vs stress" ratio of any job in nuclear power. There's a lot to be said for not having any direct reports in this game! Besides, bbksv had stated they missed the hands-on stuff, and being an NLO offers a heck of a lot more opportunity for that vs. becoming, say, a system engineer.
And this isn't even getting into the fact that "any kind of operator" includes folks with licenses - you know, the folks who wind up in senior leadership positions in nuclear power? I find it surprising that someone could imply that becoming an SRO was somehow beneath the station of a retired USN Officer, particularly as their first foray into the industry.
bbksv - I think you're pretty much going about this the right way. hamsamich and the others gave some good advice, too. Bear in mind that the hiring picture changes year-on-year; some plants only hire Ops on a two-year cycle, some even less frequently than that. The best thing is to start applying as you approach retirement, using this board and other sources for the 'gouge' on specific plants or employers. Good luck!