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221115-N-N1701-026

Rear Adm. William F. Raborn, appointed the first director of the Navy Special Projects Office (SPO) in Dec. 1955, answers questions about SPO’s mission and the development of the Polaris A1 missile. The SPO was established by the Secretary of the Navy and was responsible for development and testing of world's first submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and its related systems in conjunction with industry partners. To this day, the SLBM along with the Intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear capable bombers create the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence capability. Today, the Sea-Based Strategic Deterrence mission continues, although the SPO is now under a different moniker, U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). SSP’s mission remains ever vital for the safety and security of the U.S. and her citizens at home and abroad. The triad of capabilities – SLBMs, ICBMs and nuclear capable bombers – are each undergoing modernization to ensure our nation’s ability to serve as the backbone of our nation’s security. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)