DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 4710.31B
N97
2 Apr 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 4710.31B
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: TRIDENT PLANNED EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 4000.57G
Encl: (1) TRIPER Program Policies and Functional Responsibilities
1. Purpose. To define concepts, policies, procedures, and responsibilities in support of the
Trident Planned Equipment Replacement (TRIPER) program. Major changes to this revision
include updates to the TRIPER selection criteria (enclosure (1)) which have been implemented.
This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 4710.31A.
3. Scope and Applicability. The provisions of this instruction are applicable throughout the
U.S. Navy; in particular units who operate, utilize and manage ballistic-missile nuclear class
submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile nuclear class submarines (SSGN).
4. Background. The Trident submarine was designed to have a 50 percent increase in missile
availability and a 20 percent increase in operational availability over previous fleet SSBNs. The
TRIPER program was developed to attain these increased availability requirements. Shipboard
equipment such as hull, mechanical, electrical and combat control systems requiring
maintenance beyond the capability of ship’s force and which likely cannot be accomplished
during refit periods without unacceptable impact on other refit requirements are included in the
program. TRIPER assets are removed and replaced on either planned or condition-based
requirements, thus accomplishing an incremental overhaul. TRIPER assets are controlled and
issued to assure their sole dedication to support of United States Ship (USS) OHIO SSBN and
SSGN 726 class submarines by conducting TRIPER asset change outs during incremental refits
for SSBNs and major maintenance periods (MMP) for SSGNs.
5. Responsibilities. This instruction prescribes the functions and responsibilities of TRIPER
program participants and applies to the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command
(COMNAVSEASYSCOM); Executive Director, Submarine Maintenance Engineering, Planning
and Procurement (SUBMEPP) Activity; Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command
Weapons Support Systems (NAVSUP WSS); submarine force commanders; Strategic Systems
Programs (SSP); and all system acquisition program managers whose equipment affects Trident
configurations. The TRIPER program has no precedent within submarine logistics and must not
