Commissioning ceremonies for the high-speed nuclear-powered attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) were held recently at the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.
The La Jolla — named after the city in California — is the ninth of the Los Angeles-class attack submarines to have been built and launched by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, Groton, Conn.
Officials from the namesake city and from the State of California attended the ceremony. Mrs. Shirley Haughey Wilson, wife of Congressman Bob Wilson, was the sponsor. Representative Clair W. Burgener was the main speaker.
The keel of the submarine was laid October 16, 1976, and the vessel was launched on August 11, 1979. The 360-foot-long ship displaces 6,900 tons when submerged. She is capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots and carries a crew of 127 officers and men.