Ballistic Missile Defense System Initial Defensive Operations commenced on September 30, 2004, in response to National Security Presidential Directive 23.
Two destroyers, USS Curtis Wilbur and USS John S. McCain were outfitted with the long range surveillance and track capability, supporting defense of the homeland by providing radar track data to the Ground-Based Midcourse system.
Later in October 2004, the initial deployment SM-3 Block I missiles were transferred to the US Navy.
Since then, AEGIS BMD, hosted in AEGIS Cruisers and Destroyers has been on patrol, with continuously advancing levels of combat system performance supporting more capable missiles: SM-3 Blocks I, IA, IB, and IIA, and SM-6.
Our BMD History is a work in progress. Check back more as we fill in the story of how this capability matured into the BMD workhorse over the last 30 years.
Long Range Surveillance and Track Data Sheet
AEGIS Upgrade’s New Mission – Philadelphia Inquirer – September 26, 2004
Initial Aegis BMD Interceptors Near Completion – Aerospace Daily & Defense Report – October 7, 2004
USS Arleigh Burke Association 