SUNNYVALE, CA, 23-MAR-00 -- U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs, Washington D.C., and Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Missiles & Space Operations, Sunnyvale, CA, today proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of the initial operational capability (IOC) of the Trident II D5 strategic missile system. On this day in 1990, the lead Trident II submarine -- USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), completed load-out and acceptance of the first 24 Trident II D5 missiles. Six days later the Tennessee sailed from the Submarine Base, Kings Bay, GA, on its first strategic deterrent patrol carrying the new Trident II D5 weapon system. That milestone marked the culmination of a six-plus year engineering and manufacturing development program.

Since that day, the Trident II D5 strategic missile systems has distinguished itself as the world's preeminent strategic deterrent and one of the most successful major defense acquisition programs in Department of Defense history.

The Trident II D5 missile system is the pinnacle of the series of Fleet Ballistic Missiles developed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the U.S. Navy, said Rear Admiral Dugan Shipway, Director, U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs. It represents the culmination of nearly a half century of engineering excellence in the evolutionary development of submarine launched ballistic missiles.

In the10-years since Trident II's initial deployment, the weapon system has continued to meet or exceed every major mission objective established for it. It is the most accurate, reliable and robust strategic missile system ever fielded. To date the Navy has successfully completed more than 200 deterrent patrols on Trident submarines and has amassed an amazing record of 87 consecutive successful test launches. This string of successful test firings stretches back more than 10-years. No other strategic missile or space launch vehicle in the modern history of rocketry can claim such a remarkable record of reliability, achievement and mission success.

The Trident II D5 missile truly epitomizes this Corporation's commitment to 100% Mission Success, said Steve Parsons, Missiles & Space Vice President, Strategic Missile Programs. For more than 10 consecutive years, this missile system has delivered in spades on every single commitment made to our valued Navy customer.

The Trident II D5 is a three-stage, solid propellant, inertial-guided submarine launched ballistic missile. It is 44.5 ft in length, 83 inches in diameter, weighs 130,000 lbs., has a range greater than 4000 nautical miles, and carries eight up to Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles.

Trident II D5, the sixth generation of fleet ballistic missile developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Navy, are presently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean. The U.S. Navy plans to deploy the D5 missile system into the Pacific SSBN fleet over the next several years. The U.S. Navy has purchased 372 Trident II D5 missiles since initial production began in 1987.

The Navy selected Lockheed Martin Space Systems as its prime missile manufacturer in 1956. Since then, the FBM team has produced the Polaris (A1), Polaris (A2), Polaris (A3), Poseidon (C3), Trident I (C4) and the Trident II (D5) missiles.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems is a world leader in the design, production and integration of systems for space-based telecommunications, defensive and strategic missiles, remote sensing and space science. Its diversified business base ranges from the U.S. government to global commercial customer through its operating unit, Commercial Space Systems.