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First Navy submarine named after California to be christened this weekend
Dignitaries and invited guests participate in the keel-laying of the Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit California (SSN-781) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.
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Ricky Thompson/ U.S. Navy
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First Navy submarine named after California to be christened this weekend
First Navy submarine named after California to be christened this weekend
The first U.S. Navy submarine named after the Golden State is the focus of the USS California Experience event Saturday from 9 am – noon at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division in Norco. The sub is being christened on the same day.
The Navy calls the USS California the most modern and sophisticated submarine in the world. But it can’t defy the laws of physics, so its christening ceremony at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Norco, about a full land-lubing hour from the nearest ocean port, comes with a catch - the sub won’t be there.
“Well it’s actually being christened at the shipyards in Newport News Virginia but we’re going to do a re-broadcast because it’s on the East coast, East coast time,” says Naval Center spokesman Troy Clarke.
Clarke likens the bi-coastal christening to a “teachable moment” aimed at interesting kids in the science and engineering behind the USS California. “This is an opportunity for people to learn about submarines, learn about math, science, engineering and technology,” says Clarke.
About a thousand elementary school students and their parents are expected to take part in the one-day USS California Experience that includes a meet and greet with Navy submariners and other activities.
“Underwater robots - as well as the Mission Ocean Challenge, a competition where teams of 7th and 8th graders dive into a simulated 3-D environment and chart a course far under the ocean to find an underwater volcano,” says Clarke.
Once is passes a few more sea trials the submarine will be deployed next year. The USS California Experience event at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Norco is free. Online pre-registration is recommended.
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The christening event in Newport News, VA, which is closed to the public, will be streamed live online: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/Northrop_Grumman/101109/.
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