Virginia-Class Attack Submarine USS California Arrives at Naval Submarine Base New London

Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) made her way up the Thames River Jan. 6 and arrived at her new homeport, Naval Submarine Base New London.

California joins Submarine Squadron 4 to further train and test the crew. The submarine officially joined the fleet during her commissioning Oct. 29 at Naval Station Norfolk.

“The crew of USS California and their families are happy to be in Groton, our new homeport,” said Cmdr. Dana Nelson, California’s commanding officer, and a native of Clinton, Conn. “What a great way to start the new year.”

Nelson is California’s first commanding officer and leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

A post-shakedown availability is scheduled for California, which will comprise maintenance, repairs, alterations and testing.

Construction on California began February 2006; the submarine’s keel was authenticated during a ceremony May 1, 2009, she was christened Nov. 6, 2010, and delivered to the Navy more than eight months early to its contract delivery date Aug. 7, 2011.

California, the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.

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Naval Today Staff , January 11, 2012; Image: navy