USS Maryland launches Trident II D5 missile off Florida

Marks 161st successful test flight to demonstrate readiness.

John Daniels, Public Affairs Representative for Strategic Systems Programs, Navy.mil
8 September 2016

WASHINGTON – On Aug. 31, Strategic Systems Programs and USS Maryland (Blue) (SSBN-738), an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine assigned to Submarine Group 10, completed a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation with the launch of a Trident II D5 missile in the Eastern Test Range off the coast of Florida.
 Designated DASO-27, the operation marked the 161st successful test flights of the Trident II D5 missile. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of a SSBN's strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment following its midlife refueling overhaul. 
Safety of the public was paramount throughout the mission. The missile was unarmed and the launch was conducted from the sea, flew over the sea and landed in the sea. At no time did the missiles fly over land. 
A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends. Strategic weapons tests, exercises and operations such as DASO-27 demonstrate the readiness of the submarine-launched Trident II missile. As the most survivable leg of our strategic deterrent Triad, it provides the national command authority with assured second-strike capability.