Which submarine became the first to fire a ballistic missile from underwater, in 1960?

USS George Washington became the first submarine to fire a ballistic missile from underwater, in 1960.

On 20 July 1960, the United States submarine launched a Polaris A-1 missile during a test near Cape Canaveral, Florida. The successful firing established the submarine-launched ballistic missile as a major strategic weapon system.

George Washington was the lead boat of the United States Navy’s first class of fleet ballistic missile submarines. Its ability to remain hidden at sea while carrying nuclear missiles gave it an important role in the Cold War doctrine of deterrence.

The submarine’s missile compartment was added to an existing Skipjack-class hull design, producing the George Washington class. It should not be confused with later Ohio-class submarines, which carry Trident missiles and are much larger.