Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Riley | 250915-N-MZ309-1007 SILVERDALE, Wash. (Sept. 15, 2025) – Students and instructors...... read more read more
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From under the sea, on land, and in the sky, our nation’s nuclear triad is the bedrock of national security. America’s nuclear and long-range strike forces deter aggression, reassure allies and partners, and hold adversaries at risk in a complex strategic environment—achieving peace through strength.
On Sept. 15 and 16, the brave men and women who operate two of those systems—ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM)—had the unique opportunity to learn about each other’s warfare areas, broadening perspectives and strengthening partnerships.
U.S. Air Force Missileers assigned to the 315th Weapons Squadron (WPS) from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, visited Naval Base Kitsap–Bangor in Silverdale, Washington, for an immersive experience that included a tour of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731).
“Our students are ICBM operators, so visiting Bangor allows them to see another leg of the nuclear triad firsthand–they’re able to develop a deeper understanding of how an SSBN operates,” said Maj. Cortez Lampley, a 315th WPS instructor. “Ultimately it allows them to open the aperture on nuclear weapons employment so they can go back and be better instructors for future missileers.”
Missileers are trained to operate the Minuteman weapon system, which was originally conceived in the late 1950s and deployed the following decade. From the beginning, Minuteman missiles have provided a quick-reacting, inertially guided, and highly survivable component of America’s strategic deterrent program.
Today’s Minuteman III ICBM is the result of nearly 60 years of continuous improvement, providing operational commanders with a weapon system capable of meeting new challenges and assuming new missions thanks to expanded targeting options and improved accuracy and survivability.
Missiles are dispersed in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to an underground launch control center through a system of hardened cables. Launch crews, consisting of two officers, maintain around-the-clock alert in the launch center. Some of those officers go on to train at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School—responsible for training and tactics development of the Air Force’s ICBM force —which has expanded its syllabus to include a trip to Bangor to familiarize students with the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.
“My favorite part of the trip was touring Alabama,” said 1st Lt. Adam Herwig, a 315th WPS student. “Seeing what the crew does and the similarities and differences with how they operate their weapon system really cemented how the nuclear triad works together. It put into perspective the importance of what they do and what we do.”
In addition to the SSBN visit, the missileers toured the Trident Training Facility, where the Sailors who man our nation’s Pacific Fleet SSBNs train in hyper-realistic scenarios; the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific (SWFPAC) missile assembly building where the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) are maintained; and Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9 headquarters, which exercises administrative and operational control authority over assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest.
"The ability of our services to seamlessly operate as a cohesive Joint Force is fundamental to strategic deterrence," stated Rear Adm. Chris Nash, SUBGRU-9's commander.
"This synergy is especially crucial when considering our nation's nuclear triad – the combination of strategic bombers, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Each element of the triad provides unique strengths: bombers offer flexible response options, SSBNs ensure survivable second-strike capability, and ICBMs provide immediate and credible retaliatory force. Integrating these diverse capabilities is a significant force multiplier, maximizing our deterrence posture. I am confident that this visit broadened our Sailors' and Airmen's perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for each other's vital role in maintaining the strategic deterrence mission and, specifically, the importance of the nuclear triad in sustaining peace through strength."
As the geo-political environment increases in complexity, the necessity of nuclear deterrence is enduring. Another constant is the relentless pursuit of operational excellence by our warfighters, regardless of the color of the uniform they don each day.
Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9 exercises administrative and operational control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest providing oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of SSBNs and their crews. SUBGRU-9 is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 549546 |
| Location: | SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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