USS Rhode Island Returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., following a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) where Rhode Island completed a test flight of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN’s strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment following its engineered refueling overhaul (ERO). Kings Bay is homeport to five ballistic-missile submarines, capable of carrying up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic-missiles with multiple warheads. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Tomforde/Released)