Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific

Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific
Name	Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific
Partof	United States Navy
Location	Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor, Washington
Type	Nuclear weapons storage site
Built	1973–1977
Used	1977–present
Builder	United States Department of Defense
Condition	Operational
Ownership	United States Department of the Navy
Controlledby	United States Navy
Garrison	Submarine Group 9

Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific is a critical United States Navy installation responsible for the maintenance, storage, and logistical support of the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile system. Located within the secure confines of Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor, Washington, it serves as the primary West Coast hub for the United States strategic deterrence mission. The facility directly supports the Ohio-class submarine fleet of the United States Pacific Fleet, ensuring the readiness of the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad.

History

The facility's origins are tied to the strategic shift of the late Cold War, with construction authorized to support the new Ohio-class submarine and the Trident missile system. Built between 1973 and 1977 on the Hood Canal, it was established to provide a dedicated support complex for the Pacific Fleet's ballistic missile submarines, complementing the existing Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Its activation marked a significant expansion of the United States Navy's strategic posture in the Pacific Ocean, countering the growing capabilities of the Soviet Navy. Over decades, it has undergone continuous upgrades to support newer weapons systems, transitioning from the Trident I C4 to the current Trident II D5 missile.

Mission and operations

The primary mission is to receive, maintain, store, and issue the Trident II D5 missile and its associated re-entry systems, directly enabling the strategic patrols of Ohio-class submarines. Operations involve intricate logistics, including the assembly, testing, and loading of missiles onto submarines at the adjacent Explosives Handling Wharf. The facility works in close coordination with Lockheed Martin, the missile's prime contractor, and other Defense contractors to ensure technical integrity. Its continuous, high-tempo operations are fundamental to maintaining the constant at-sea deterrent posture mandated by United States Strategic Command.

Facilities and infrastructure

The installation encompasses heavily secured areas including reinforced storage magazines, assembly and checkout buildings, and maintenance shops for missile components. A defining feature is the large, underground Missile Assembly and Packaging Building designed for sensitive work. The facility is integrated with the deep-water port at Naval Base Kitsap, featuring specialized piers like the Explosives Handling Wharf for direct submarine weapon loading. The infrastructure is supported by extensive security perimeters, surveillance systems, and dedicated utilities to meet the stringent requirements for handling nuclear weapons.

Strategic importance

It is indispensable to the credibility of the United States nuclear deterrence strategy, providing the sole West Coast support point for SSBNs. This geographic positioning allows for rapid dispersal and stealthy access to vast patrol areas in the Pacific Ocean, complicating an adversary's targeting calculus. The facility ensures the United States Pacific Fleet can maintain a continuous strategic presence, contributing directly to extended deterrence commitments to allies like Japan and South Korea. Its operations are a key pillar in the global strategic balance, directly supporting treaties and policies managed by the United States Department of State.

Command and control

Administrative command falls under Commander, Submarine Group 9, who reports to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Operational tasking for strategic deterrent patrols originates from United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base. The facility itself is commanded by a United States Navy Captain and functions as a key node within the broader Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications system. Daily operations require seamless coordination with entities like the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the National Nuclear Security Administration for surety and compliance.

Safety and security

Security is governed by the stringent protocols of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, employing layered defenses including the Naval Security Forces and likely elements of the United States Marine Corps. The site adheres to the highest standards of the Nuclear Weapons Security Standard. Safety programs are exhaustive, involving continuous monitoring for Weapons of mass destruction hazards and strict adherence to procedures from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Security measures are routinely evaluated through exercises with organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation to counter potential threats.

Category:United States Navy bases Category:Nuclear weapons infrastructure of the United States