SSP Marks 70th Anniversary of Special Projects Office and SLBM Development

On November 17, 2025, the Special Projects Office (SPO) celebrated 70 years since its establishment by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955, aimed at developing the first submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

Rear Adm. William Raborn led the effort, culminating in the USS George Washington's 1960 patrol with the Polaris A1 missile. Over the years, SPO developed the Polaris A1, A2, and A3 missiles and built 41 submarines.

The focus shifted post-Cold War towards sustaining capabilities, with the Trident II D5 system being a key project. The D5 Life Extension (D5LE) program began in 2012, followed by the D5LE2 in 2019, as part of efforts to modernize nuclear capabilities.

SSP remains dedicated to supporting the U.S. Navy's strategic weapons on Ohio-class and upcoming Columbia-class submarines, while also developing new systems like the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile and hypersonic strike systems.