The launch of the USS George Washington is a landmark event in maritime military history, representing the advent of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Designed and built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, this submarine was a response to the growing complexities of Cold War dynamics, particularly the need for the United States to maintain a credible second-strike capability against the Soviet Union. The George Washington was equipped to carry and launch Polaris missiles, significantly enhancing the United States' strategic arsenal. The development of the SSBN program was a key factor in the evolution of naval warfare, offering stealth and deterrence that surface ships could not match.

Constructed in Groton, Connecticut, the USS George Washington's launch took place at a time when the arms race was intensifying. The submarine was designed for long underwater missions, capable of remaining submerged for extended periods, furthering its operational capabilities and strategic importance. The Polaris missile system allowed for a nuclear response from beneath the ocean’s surface, making it a formidable element in deterrence strategy. The submarine soon entered service and became a vital part of the Navy's strategic nuclear forces, shaping the course of maritime operations in the decades to come.

The USS George Washington made its first strategic deterrent patrol in 1960 and represented the beginning of a new class of submarines that would dominate naval warfare strategies. The success of this submarine paved the way for subsequent classes of SSBNs, fundamentally changing the approach of the United States toward undersea warfare and the strategic balance during the Cold War. The introduction of these submarines underscored the importance of advanced technology in military strategy, showcasing the evolving nature of international security measures in a nuclear age.