Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Chairman, I know my friend from Florida shares my concerns regarding our Nation's nuclear deterrents and specifically in preserving the sea-based leg of the Nuclear Triad in the Trident II D5 submarine launched ballistic missiles, which are carried on the Ohio-class submarine.

The current fleet of ballistic missile submarines is planned for service through the year 2042, and the D5 missile they carry is expected to remain viable much longer and will see service on the replacement platform. I hope the chairman agrees.

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Mr. BISHOP of Utah. In reclaiming my time, the original design life of the D5 missile rocket motors was 25 years. Some of the currently deployed motors are reaching that age, and the missiles require a life extension to maintain viability.

Does the chairman agree that the life extension program for the D5 missile is critical to ensure the missile will remain the highest level of reliability for as long as our Nation requires it?

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