USS Los Angeles Turns 30

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

The Navy’s oldest active attack submarine, USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), held a ceremony to mark its 30th birthday Nov. 13, on the pier at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

Cmdr. Erik Burian, Los Angeles commanding officer, cut the celebratory cake during the festivities, which included an awards ceremony and a barbecue on the pier for the crew and their families.

“It’s a pretty remarkable and historic submarine,” said Burian. “The crew is really excited to be part of this celebration; I tell them she is 30-years strong, not 30-years old.”

The lead ship of her class, Los Angeles was commissioned Nov. 13, 1976. Since then, 47 more submarines have been commissioned in the class. The Los Angeles-class submarines incorporated improved sound quieting and a larger propulsion plant than previous classes and is capable of performing undersea and surface warfare, mining operations, special forces delivery, reconnaissance, carrier strike group support and intelligence collection.

Retired Master Chief Frank Lister, who served as the chief of the boat when Los Angeles was commissioned, said he is still proud of the submarine 30 years later. Now retired and residing in Texas, he said the job the submarine carries out continues to be important to national defense.

“She’s a marvelous boat,” Lister said. “I’m trilled the submarine force is doing a spectacular job. The Navy needs submarines like Los Angeles safeguarding our nation.”

“It really demonstrates the agility of nuclear power,” said Burian. “There are no limitations. She remains just as viable an asset to conduct special warfare missions and is no less capable a force for defending our country than any other ship on the waterfront.”

The festivities didn’t last long for Los Angeles. Soon after the celebration, it was back underway, continuing work-ups in preparation for a deployment next year.