An unarmed Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) missile launches from Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) during a Commander Evaluation Test (CET) off the coast of Florida June 18, 2018. The primary objective of a CET is to validate performance expectations of the Trident II D5LE strategic weapon system (SWS) on boats that are strategically deployed, and this particular test concluded the D5LE CET population flights for the Ohio-class SSBN. Future tests will be Follow-on Commander Evaluation Tests (FCET) and are required as part of rigorous readiness testing through the remainder of the Ohio-class SSBN service life to ensure the SWS remains fully capable on strategically deployed boats. During this era of global strategic competition, the viability of the current SWS remains vital to the Navy’s overall mission of Sea Based Strategic Deterrence (SBSD) ensuring the most sustainable leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. As the nuclear triad modernizes, the new Columbia-class SSBN—which is designed to provide SBSD capability into the year 2084—will be initially outfitted with the D5LE SWS. Each new Columbia-class boat will complete a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) as part of the process to certify the boat for the strategic deterrence mission. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2025 10:49 |
| Photo ID: | 9054971 |
| VIRIN: | 250528-D-D0441-1598 |
| Resolution: | 2104x1322 |
| Size: | 353.1 KB |
| Location: | FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
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Defending the Triad: Sustaining the Nuclear Sea Leg
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