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USS California (SSN-781)
Encyclopedia
USS California (SSN-781), is the eighth , and the eighth United States Navy
ship named for the state of California
. The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding (then called Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.) in Newport News, Virginia
, on 14 August 2003. Construction began in December 2006. Californias keel was laid down on 1 May 2009.
She was christened
on 6 November 2010, sponsored by Donna Willard, wife of Admiral
Robert F. Willard
.
She was launched eight days later, on 14 November 2010.
California is the first Virginia-class submarine built with the advanced electromagnetic signature reduction system; although it will be retrofitted into older submarines of the class.
California was delivered to the Navy on 7 August 2011, eight and a half months ahead of schedule.
The $2.3 billion ship was commissioned
on 29 October 2011 in Norfolk, Virginia, with Dana Nelson in command and a crew of 134.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
ship named for the state of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding (then called Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.) in Newport News, Virginia
Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. It is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the north shore of the James River extending southeast from Skiffe's Creek along many miles of waterfront to the river's mouth at Newport News...
, on 14 August 2003. Construction began in December 2006. Californias keel was laid down on 1 May 2009.
She was christened
Ship naming and launching
The ceremonies involved in naming and launching naval ships are based in traditions thousands of years old.-Methods of launch:There are three principal methods of conveying a new ship from building site to water, only two of which are called "launching." The oldest, most familiar, and most widely...
on 6 November 2010, sponsored by Donna Willard, wife of Admiral
Admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health...
Robert F. Willard
Robert F. Willard
Robert F. Willard is a United States Navy admiral who serves as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command. He previously served as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet from May 8, 2007 to September 25, 2009. Prior to that, he served as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from March 18, 2005 to April 2007...
.
She was launched eight days later, on 14 November 2010.
California is the first Virginia-class submarine built with the advanced electromagnetic signature reduction system; although it will be retrofitted into older submarines of the class.
California was delivered to the Navy on 7 August 2011, eight and a half months ahead of schedule.
The $2.3 billion ship was commissioned
Ship commissioning
Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service, and may be regarded as a particular application of the general concepts and practices of project commissioning. The term is most commonly applied to the placing of a warship in active duty with its country's military...
on 29 October 2011 in Norfolk, Virginia, with Dana Nelson in command and a crew of 134.