PUGET SOUND, Wash. (April 2, 2018) – The Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transits the Hood Canal as it returns to its homeport following a test launch of two unarmed Trident II D5 missiles off the coast of California. The test launch was part of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Program’s demonstration and shakedown operation certification process. The successful launch certified the readiness of an SSBN crew and the operational performance of the submarine’s strategic weapons system before returning to operational availability. Nebraska is one of eight ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Michael L. Smith)