[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 163 (Thursday, October 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO USS ``CALIFORNIA''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2011

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the California 
Delegation, to honor and pay tribute to the USS California (SSN-781), a 
Virginia-class submarine and the first submarine to be named after the 
Golden State. On the occasion of the submarine's commissioning, we 
could not be more proud to have one of the world's most modern and 
sophisticated nuclear-powered attack submarines named for the state of 
California.
  The contract to build her was awarded to Northrop Grumman Newport 
News (now Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding) in 
Newport News, Virginia, on August 14, 2003. Construction began in 
December 2006. California's keel was laid down on May 1, 2009. She was 
christened on November 6, 2010, sponsored by Donna Willard, wife of 
Admiral Robert F. Willard. The California was launched eight days 
later, on November 14, 2010. The commissioning has been scheduled for 
October 29, 2011 by the Secretary of the Navy. USS California will be 
homeported at Groton, Connecticut.
  Designed to meet the Navy's requirements in a post-Cold War era, 
Virginia-class submarines use advanced technologies to increase 
firepower, maneuverability and stealth. Along with other Virginia-class 
submarines, the California is tailored to excel in a wide range of 
warfighting missions with several innovations that significantly 
enhance its warfighting capabilities, especially in the littoral 
environment. The ship has a fly-by-wire ship control system that 
provides improved shallow-water ship handling. The class has special 
features to support special operation forces and prolonged deployments. 
Advanced technology is employed to provide the ship's company enhanced 
situational awareness and is designed to remain state of the practice 
for its entire operational life through rapid introduction of new 
systems and payloads.
  Previous ships bearing the USS California name have a long and 
storied history. The first USS California, a screw propelled frigate, 
was christened in 1869. In 1941, the USS California (BB-44) was the 
flagship of the U.S. Pacific fleet stationed in Pearl Harbor. She was 
badly damaged by Japanese torpedoes, and partially sunk. The three 
crewmen serving aboard the battleship that day were posthumously 
awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of bravery in saving the lives of 
their shipmates. A few months later, the California was salvaged and 
repaired, and served in the Pacific theater during the final two years 
of World War II. She was present at several crucial battles in the 
Pacific theater, including the Battle of Surigao Strait--the last naval 
engagement fought by opposing battleships.
  The most recent USS California (CGN-26) was the lead ship of her 
class of nuclear powered guided missile cruisers and was also a vital 
part of the U.S. fleet from her launch in 1971 to her retirement in 
1999. She was known as the ``Golden Grizzly,'' in recognition of the 
grizzly bear on the California state flag. We are pleased that the USS 
California (SSN-781) will follow in the footsteps of previous ships 
that have served this great country so proudly.
  California is a state with a long naval history and strong naval 
tradition. The entire California Delegation is proud to welcome the USS 
California as the eighth U.S. Navy ship named after our home state. We 
have no doubt that she, and her crew, will serve our country honorably.
  The following are the names of the Members of the California 
Congressional Delegation in support of the USS California:
  Mike Thompson, Wally Herger, Daniel Lungren, Tom McClintock, Doris 
Matsui, George Miller, John Garamendi, Jerry McNerney, Jackie Speier, 
Pete Stark, Anna Eshoo, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, Sam Farr, Dennis 
Cardoza, Jeff Denham, Jim Costa, Devin Nunes, Kevin McCarthy, Lois 
Capps, Elton Gallegly, Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, David Dreier, Brad 
Sherman, Howard Berman, Adam Schiff, Henry Waxman, Xavier Becerra, Judy 
Chu, Karen Bass, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Maxine Waters, Janice Hahn, 
Laura Richardson, Grace Napolitano, Linda Sanchez, Edward Royce, Jerry 
Lewis, Gary Miller, Joe Baca, Ken Calvert, Mary Bono Mack, Dana 
Rohrabacher, Loretta Sanchez, John Campbell, Darrell Issa, Brian 
Bilbray, Bob Filner, Duncan Hunter, and Susan Davis.

                          ____________________