Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
First Navy submarine named after California to be christened this weekend
Listen
• 1:09
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.
(
Ricky Thompson/ U.S. Navy
)
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
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/.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist