The Navy's sixth and seventh TRIDENT I (c-4) Performance Evaluation Missiles were successfully launched from the submerged submarine USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657).

3 AUGUST 1979

USS JAMES MADISON (SSBN 627) commenced overhaul/C-4 Backfit at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.

8 AUGUST 1979

The POLARIS Missile Facility, Atlantic (POMFLANT), successfully completed the final phase of the Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection (NWAI). This completely certified POMFLANT to conduct operations with tactical TRIDENT I (C-4) missiles. The first phase was completed on 10 July 1979.

18 AUGUST 1979

USS MARIANO G. VALLEJO (SSBN 658) completed her last deterrent patrol prior to commencing the C-4 Pierside Backfit conversion period.

28 AUGUST 1979

The Blue Crew of USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657) successfully launched the first TRIDENT I (C-4) production missile to be flight tested during the ship's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation.

30/31 AUGUST 1979

The Blue Crew of USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657) successfully completed a Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection. As a result, the Blue Crew of SSBN 657 was certified to conduct operations with TRIDENT I (C-4) missiles.

31 AUGUST 1979

Electrostatically Supported Gyro Monitor (ESGM) equipment was shipped to the USS HOLLAND (AS 32) for installation on USS DANIEL BOONE (SSBN 629). SSBN 629 was to be the first SSBN to have the ESGM installed by a tender.

7 SEPTEMBER 1979

USS MARIANO G. VALLEJO (SSBN 658) commenced Part I of the industrial phase of the TRIDENT I (C-4) Backfit Program at the FBM Support Site in Charleston, S.C. SSBN 658 was the second POSEIDON SSBN to be backfitted.

17 SEPTEMBER 1979

After completing its second overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, USS ULYSSES S. GRANT (SSBN 631) deployed for deterrent patrol.

26 SEPTEMBER 1979

The Gold Crew of USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY successfully launched one TRIDENT I (C-4) missile in support of the ship's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation.

8 OCTOBER 1979

USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657) commenced outload with TRIDENT I (C-4) tactical missiles at the POLARIS Missile Facility, Atlantic.

15 OCTOBER 1979

On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral A.J. Whittle, Chief of Naval Material, presented the Navy Unit Commendation Award to the Strategic Systems Project Office. The Director, Rear Admiral R.H. Wertheim, USN, accepted on behalf of SSPO. The award was presented in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service by personnel of the Strategic Systems Project Office and participating field activities in the prosecution of the TRIDENT I (C-4) development program from October 1973 to October 1979.

16 OCTOBER 1979

A consolidated FY80 CPIF/CPFF production and processing contract (P&PC) was awarded to Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc. The contract award was for approximately one half of a billion dollars and was the first contract of this type awarded by Strategic Systems Project Office. The contract contained completion-type tasks for the production of TRIDENT I (CA) missiles as well as annual tasks, such as processing of the C-3/CA missiles at the POLARIS Missile Facility, Atlantic and A-3/CA missiles at the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific.

20 OCTOBER 1979

USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657), the first POSEIDON SSBN configured with TRIDENT I (C-4) missile capability, deployed for deterrent patrol from Charleston, S.C., carrying 16 tactical TRIDENT I (C-4) missiles.

23 OCTOBER 1979

The Gold Crew of USS TECUMSEH (SSBN 628) successfully launched a POSEIDON (C-3) missile in support of the ship's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation.

5 NOVEMBER 1979

The industrial phase of the conversion of USS MARIANO G. VALLEJO (SSBN 658) POSEIDON (C-3) to TRIDENT I (C-4) missile from capability was completed, 10 days ahead of schedule.

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