"The origin of today's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) dates back to November 1955 when President Dwight Eisenhower directed Secretary of the Navy Charles Thomas to establish the Special Projects Office (SPO) to develop, design and test the first-ever fleet ballistic missile. Appointed on November 8, 1955 as Director of Special Projects, Rear Adm. William 'Red' Raborn was tasked with the unprecedented challenge of delivering the first submarine-launched ballistic missile system. SPO had total responsibility for the program including the weapon system, the platform on which it deployed, and the supporting ashore and afloat infrastructure. Although initially limited to 50 people, Admiral Raborn's program was given unprecedented exemption from the usual Navy bureaucracy.
"SSP's fleet ballistic missile system continues to serve our nation. Since November 15, 1960, when USS George Washington (SSBN 598) departed on the first strategic deterrent patrol, the crews of the original '41 For Freedom' submarines and the 18 Ohio-class submarines have collectively conducted more than 4,000 deterrent patrols. The Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident missiles carried by those submarines have provided our nation with a deterrent and a survivable response to aggression. Looking to the future, SSP is readying the Trident II missile for the Columbia-class submarines using modern technologies and tools not dreamed of during the 1950s. The men and women of SSP remain committed to supporting the mission and updating and maintaining the Trident II missile system, which provides approximately 70 percent of our nation's deployed nuclear deterrent triad.
"SSP continues to deliver. Whether the next generation of sea-launched nuclear deterrent, or cutting edge conventional hypersonic technologies, the men and women of SSP are ready for another 65 years of credibly deterring threats to our nation and our allies and partners."
from SSP's History of SSP
Tuesday, November 8, 1955
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