This test marked the 131st, 132nd, 133rd and 134th consecutive successful test flights of the Trident II D5 missile since 1989 – continuing a more than 20-year record of reliability that is unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.
“We are proud to support the Navy in its crucial strategic deterrence mission,” said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, the Navy’s Trident missile prime contractor. “These successful missile tests demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the entire Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System and the unflagging commitment to excellence of the full Navy and industry team.”
The Navy launched the missiles as part of a Follow-on Commander’s Evaluation Test. The Navy conducts a continuing series of operational system evaluation tests to assure the safety, reliability, readiness and performance of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System, as required by the Department of Defense’s National Command Authority. The Navy conducts the tests under the testing guidelines of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
