Photo By Shelby Thompson | CAPE CANAVERAL, Fl. – U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) achieved a major...... read more read more
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fl. – U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) achieved a major milestone in support of the Navy’s nuclear modernization effort with the validation of Final Operating Capability (FOC) for the Strategic Weapons Systems Ashore (SWS Ashore) facility on Nov. 26.
Located at Naval Ordnance Test Unit on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida, SWS Ashore is a state of the art test-facility designed to test modernizations and alterations of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System (SWS) and Strategic Weapon Support System (SWSS) equipment in a land-based facility prior to fleet deployment. The facility expands the ground-based testing capabilities for the sea-based strategic weapons systems to ensure Strategic Systems Programs is ready to support the Columbia-class SSBN as it enters the fleet.
“Envisioned as an integrated testing facility to support Columbia-class SSBN delivery and subsequent fleet operations, SWSA achieving full operational capability is a testament of years of hard work and cooperation,” said NOTU Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Schneider. This major effort was achieved on-time with considerable contribution and partnership between Navy, industry, and local Florida ‘Space Coast’ government organizations that stretches back more than a decade.
SWS Ashore broke ground on Nov. 8, 2012, and was originally intended to achieve three goals for the Navy - apply the lessons learned from the Ohio-class SSBN program to the future Columbia-class; assist the U.K. with hands-on experience for its future Dreadnought-class shipbuilders and sailors; and, provide an enduring end-to-end shore-based strategic weapons system for the U.S. and U.K. to conduct troubleshooting, testing, and training for.
In the five years since the facility began initial operations in 2019, these aspirations have been realized thanks to the hard work and sense of urgency that has driven the teams involved in construction and operations.
“SWS Ashore is a true success story of thinking ahead to manage risk and protect schedule margin,” said Steven Van Dyk, SSP chief engineer.
Today, the Trident II D5LE SWS is deployed on the Navy’s Ohio-class SSBNs and will continue to carry the current SWS until the last Ohio-class boats are retired in the early 2040s. The Trident II D5LE SWS will also be the initial load out on Columbia-class SSBNs, built and commissioned throughout the 2030s. As the next generation Trident II –known as Trident II D5LE2 - is developed, SWS Ashore allows for advanced testing to ensure efficient systems integration onto the future Columbia-class SSBNs, decreasing risk for the Navy’s number one acquisitions priority.
“SWS Ashore was not only vital in ensuring the next generation weapon system met all expectations during an extensive two year verification and validation testing period, but was also instrumental in improving shipyard installation and testing processes which will help to reduce time and cost in the shipyard, ” said Scott Brockman, NOTU SWS Ashore weapons officer.
SWS Ashore is an example of prioritizing risk-based planning, and highlights SSP’s commitment to manage risks and protect the schedule margins of the Navy’s highest priority programs. The integrated test capabilities at SWS Ashore provide additional stability and technical verification during Trident II SWS integration into the Columbia-class shipbuilding. That same testing supports the integration of the weapons system onto the future U.K. Dreadnought-class, and is an example of well-planned infrastructure and facility investments underpin successful partnerships with both DOD and international partners.
“SWS Ashore is vital to providing the most cost effective, technically capable nuclear [sea-based] strategic deterrent for both nations,” said Matt Vilk, Strategic Systems Programs SWS Ashore program manager.
SWS Ashore provides a key service to the U.K. who purchase the Trident II D5 SWS from the U.S. under the Polaris Sales Agreement. While the U.S. is pushing forward with the future Columbia-class, the U.K. is utilizing SWS Ashore to benefit its own next generation Dreadnought-class SSBNs. The Columbia- and Dreadnought-classes make use of a common missile compartment, which enables the testing and refining of the SWS for both nations, as well as the ability for the U.S. and U.K. navies to train the sailors who will eventually take these systems to sea.
De-risking schedules for our strategic partners strengthens the U.S. program as well, ensuring that the programs stay aligned and costs are kept down.
“SWS Ashore allows the U.S. and U.K. programs to stay in parallel,” said Van Dyk, who is excited about the ability to test future system refreshes independent of shipyard schedules.
SSP partnered with Space Florida to make this facility a reality. Space Florida, a public corporation of the state of Florida, provided funds for the Navy to refurbish an old missile launch site on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and prepare the site for the construction of SWS Ashore.
“The local Florida community has been and continues to be a wonderful host,” said Vilk.
“They’ve made SWS Ashore a desirable destination for our Navy community and its industry partners.”
Ensuring the on-time integration of the Trident II D5 SWS onto the Columbia-class directly support the readiness of America’s Warfighting Navy, and will continue to provide the underlying strategic deterrent capability that allows the Navy to advance and adapt in other areas to address the changing character of conflict.
A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. Deterrence remains a cornerstone of national security policy in the 21st century.
Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) Strategic Weapon System.
SLBMs are one leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent Triad that also includes the U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and nuclear-capable bombers. Each part of the Triad provides unique capabilities and advantages.
SLBMs make up the majority – approximately 70 percent – of the U.S.’s deployed strategic nuclear deterrent Triad. The SLBM is the most survivable, provides persistent presence, and allows flexible concept of operations.
| Date Taken: | 12.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.30.2024 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 488353 |
| Location: | CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 440 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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