Members of Congress and the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) commander were aboard the USS Kentucky when the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) conducted a successful test flight of a Trident II D5 Missile, Nov. 7, 2015, to obtain valid reliability, accuracy and performance factors for use by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and USSTRATCOM.
The unarmed test missile was launched as part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO) from the USS Kentucky, an Ohio Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), in the Pacific Test Range off the coast of Southern California. The primary objective of a DASO is to demonstrate the readiness of a SSBN’s crew and weapon system. This launch marked the 156th successful test flight of the Trident II (D5) missile conducted by SSP since 1989.
Witnessing the test was a congressional delegation including Senator Joe Donnelly (Indiana), Representative Stephen Womack (Arkansas), Representative Pete Visclosky (Indiana), Representative Jackie Walorski (Indiana), Representative Larry Bucshon (Indiana) and professional staff members from Senate and House subcommittees.
“Ensuring our nation’s strategic forces have the resources they need, are trained to the highest standards, and are ready to perform their critical mission remains one of the most important priorities I hold as an elected official,” Walorski said. “I want to thank the brave men and women who serve in our submarine and strategic forces communities, your quiet sacrifices, often absent from any headlines, protect the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. We are forever grateful for your service.”
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A trident II D-5 ballistic missile is launched from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) during a missile test at the Pacific Test Range, Nov. 7, 2015. The launch, the 156th successful test flight of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile, was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) in the Pacific Test Range to validate the readiness and effectiveness of an SSBN’s crew and weapon system. Strategic weapons tests, along with exercises and operations, demonstrate the readiness of the nation’s nuclear triad, assuring America’s allies and deterring potential adversaries. One of nine DoD unified combatant commands, USSTRATCOM has global strategic missions, assigned through the Unified Command Plan, which include strategic deterrence; space operations; cyberspace operations; joint electronic warfare; global strike; missile defense; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; combating weapons of mass destruction; and analysis and targeting. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Adm. Cecil D. Haney (left) and Commander, Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, approach the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), Nov. 7, 2015. Haney, Benedict and several congressional members boarded the Kentucky to observe the 156th successful test flight of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile. The missile was launched as part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) in the Pacific Test Range to validate the readiness and effectiveness of an SSBN’s crew and weapon system. Strategic weapons tests, along with exercises and operations, demonstrate the readiness of the nation’s nuclear triad, assuring America’s allies and deterring potential adversaries. One of nine DoD unified combatant commands, USSTRATCOM has global strategic missions, assigned through the Unified Command Plan, which include strategic deterrence; space operations; cyberspace operations; joint electronic warfare; global strike; missile defense; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; combating weapons of mass destruction; and analysis and targeting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Byron C. Linder/Released)
