In what year was the first fleet ballistic missile submarine launched?

The first fleet ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN-598), was launched in 1959. This event marked a significant milestone in naval warfare, as it was the beginning of a new class of submarines designed to carry nuclear missiles. These submarines played a vital role in the U.S. Navy's strategic deterrence capabilities during the Cold War, providing a second-strike capability to ensure the protection of national interests.

The launch of the USS George Washington established the importance of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) in maintaining a credible and survivable nuclear defense posture, allowing for stealthy operation and the ability to strike from concealed and secure locations beneath the ocean's surface. The development of fleet ballistic missile submarines changed the dynamics of naval warfare by providing a secure platform for nuclear deterrence.