USS Rhode Island Successfully Tests Trident II D5 Missile

US Navy ^ | 5/9/2019 4:47:00 PM | U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs Public Affairs

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (NNS) -- The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) along with the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) conducted a successful test flight of one unarmed Trident II D5 missile, May 9.

This launch marked the 172nd successful test flight of the Trident II D5 missile since its introduction to the fleet in 1989.

This test flight was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, designated DASO 29. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN's strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment following its engineered refueling overhaul (ERO).

“I’m incredibly proud of Team King’s Bay and the Rhode Island crew. They’ve spent the last nine months preparing for this test and the patrols that will follow. Because of their hard work and dedication, our sea based deterrent remains the most survivable and reliable in the world,” said Rear Adm. Michael Bernacchi, Commander, Submarine Group 10.

Rhode Island completed its ERO in August 2018. An ERO is a complex, major shipyard availability during which the submarine is refueled and upgraded before returning to support the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This ERO extended the life of Rhode Island for more than 20 years.

EROs play a critical role in the future of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force. EROs extend the life of the aging 14 Ohio-class submarines in the Navy’s fleet, scheduled to be replaced by 12 Columbia-class submarines, with the first initial deterrent patrol in 2031.

"USS Rhode Island’s successful test flight today demonstrates not only that this ship’s crew and shipboard weapons system are ready to return to service, but also that the sea-based leg of our nuclear deterrent remains ready, reliable and credible,” said Capt. Mark Behning, deputy director, SSP.

“While we’ve demonstrated today that our efforts to extend the life of our existing D5 missiles and SSBNs are successful, it is imperative that we remain focused on the Navy’s number one priority: on-time delivery of the first Colombia-class submarine,” said Behning.

SSP, along with Naval Ordnance Test Unit, oversees the DASO certification process and provides integrated testing and evaluation capabilities, while various other organizations provide support.

Ohio-class SSBNs carry up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and provide the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability. The design allows the submarines to operate for 15 years or more between major overhauls. The Columbia-class submarine will not need to be refueled during its lifetime.

Rhode Island is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name and was commissioned July 9, 1994. Assigned to Submarine Group 10, Rhode Island is one of five ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

This is a few days but didn't see it posted anywhere. This test went on the same day as the last Minuteman ICBM test out of Vandenberg AFB.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

"Can you hear me now, Kim?"

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 9, 2019) An unarmed Trident II D5 missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, May 9, 2019. The test launch was part of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs' demonstration and shakedown operation certification process. The successful launch certified the readiness of the SSBN crew and the operation performance of the submarine's strategic weapons system following completion of its engineered refueling overhaul before returning to operational availability. (U.S. Navy photo by John Kowalski/Released)

[DarthVader]

Excellent!!

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

I rode the fast attacks but it is good to hear about submarines doing what they are supposed to do! ;-)

After all, there are only submarines and targets! ** snicker **

[griffin]

This test should have been conducted in the Sea of Japan.

[chief lee runamok]

USS Rhode Island

[doorgunner69]

Excellent message sent to the usual suspects..........

[BigEdLB]

you know, those missiles are so precise they can hit a target within inches...

[laplata]

I always wanted to see one of those missiles fired from under a swarm of Green Peace boats.

[basalt]

the finest, most elite weapons system ever made. Thing of beauty.

[Paul R.]

If we’re gonna test these things (necessary of course), can’t we load ‘em up with a conventional warhead and have them impact somewhere useful?

[Deplorable American1776]

Is the USS Rhode Island the smallest Sub in the NAVY.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Yeah, launch it 12 miles from their coast and straight east from Pyongyang at night so their whole skiffy country sees it on its way to Kwajalein Atoll. Then send them video of the warhead hitting inside of its 150-foot circle. We don’t just lob them over Japan in a random direction, we actually hit something.

[NorthMountain]

Hah … she’s a boomer. One of the largest subs in the Navy.