Naval Ordnance Test Unit

The Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) was established in 1950 at the Naval Air Station in Cocoa Beach, Florida, now known as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Its primary mission is to support the research, development, testing, and evaluation of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), such as the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident missile systems. NOTU provides technical oversight, coordinates missile test launches, and ensures the reliability and safety of the Navy’s strategic deterrent. Over the decades, the unit has played a critical role in advancing the United States Navy’s undersea warfare and strategic missile capabilities.