USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)

USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)

USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), lead ship of her class of submarines, is the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named for Los Angeles, California. The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia on 8 January 1971 and her keel was laid down on 8 January 1972. She was launched on 6 April 1974 sponsored by Anne Armstrong, and commissioned on 13 November 1976 with Commander John E. Christensen in command. She hosted President Jimmy Carter and the First Lady on 27 May 1977 for an at-sea demonstration of her capabilities. In 2007 she was the oldest submarine in active service with the United States Navy. The Navy decommissioned the USS Los Angeles on 23 January 2010, in the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, her namesake city. The wardroom of the oldest submarine in the fleet carries Richard O'Kane's personal cribbage board, and upon the Los Angeles decommissioning the board was transferred to the next oldest boat, USS Bremerton (SSN-698).