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1,000 Trident Patrols: SSBNs the Cornerstone of Strategic Deterrence

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090224-09
Release Date: 2/24/2009 11:38:00 AM

By Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, Commander Submarine Group Ten Public Affairs

Kings Bay, Ga (NNS) -- The Navy commemorated the completion of 1,000 Trident strategic deterrent patrols by the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, Feb. 19, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.

Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Donald Winter, delivered the ceremony's principle address marking the momentous occasion.

"Although our nation has never fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile in anger, the ability of our Trident fleet to do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, has promoted the interests of peace and freedom around the world," Winter said.

The first Trident strategic deterrent patrol was completed by USS Ohio (SSBN 726) in 1982 and for more than 27 years, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine has remained the most survivable form of deterrence.

On Feb. 11, USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue) completed the 1,000th Trident strategic deterrent patrol. The Sailors of Wyoming were recognized along with all SSBN Sailors and veterans that contributed to the milestone.

"I am proud that our Sailors are here today. Sailors who, for decades, have sailed on the open waters, those who have enabled those Sailors to do their job and especially their families who stand by and support and encourage and enable the Sailors so that we continue to be able to uphold those high standards," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. "They have never let us down, they never will let us down because the culture that they foster and the culture that they pass on to the next generation is what really makes a difference."

The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, built in the 1980s and 90s, provide the sea-based leg of U.S. strategic deterrence forces. The 14 Trident SSBNs carry more than 50 percent of the total U.S. strategic warheads.

"History proves that our strategic deterrent works," Winter said. "The Navy's Trident forces form a credible deterrent because it provides high measures of reliability, availability, and survivability."

Gen. Kevin Chilton, commander of United States Strategic Command, recognized the "inherent stealth, unparalleled firepower and nearly limitless endurance of the ballistic missile submarines provide a credible deterrent for any enemies that would seek to use force against the United States or our 30-plus allies who depend on our extended deterrent umbrella."

Ballistic missile submarines home-ported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay include USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), USS Maryland (SSBN 738), USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), and USS Wyoming (SSBN 742).