Newport News Shipbuilding
A Tenneco Company
January 1974
Newport News Shipbuilding will deliver its 24th nuclear-powered Naval vessel with the February 16 commissioning of the guided-missile frigate California (DLGN-36).
Commissioning ceremonies will be held at the Norfolk Naval Base.
The ship successfully completed sea trials, earning for her builders and crew the praise of Admiral H. G. Rickover, director of the Joint Navy/Atomic Commission Nuclear Propulsion Program.
Returning to Newport News from the California's first sea trials on December 19, Rickover said that the ship's propulsion plan "successfully passed trials tests, which ended in a full-power run at speeds in excess of 30 knots."
After citing Newport News Shipbuilding personnel and other organizations which helped to make the trial successful, Rickover made particular mention of "the young officers and men in the crew of this fine warship, 60 percent of whom have never been to sea before. You have demonstrated during the trial s that you are capable of doing an outstanding job."
Shipyard president and chief executive officer J. P. Diesel noted that company management was "very pleased with the ship's performance and I want to congratulate all shipyard personnel who shared this clean-sweep effort."
Earlier in the month, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, wife of California Governor Ronald Reagan, presented the silver service to Lieutenant Commander A. J. Hodgdon, representing Captain H. L. Miller, skipper of the California, and the ship's crew.
Also during the ceremony in the California Council Chamber in Sacramento, a redwood replica of the ship's live bear mascot was given to the ship. The redwood bear, a gift of the California Redwood Association, will be bolted to the ship's deck.
 Representing the various shipyard trades that contributed to the ship's construction, employees line the rail of the California. |
Mrs. Nancy Reagan, wife of California Governor Ronald Reagan, presentes the silver service to Lieutenant Commander A. J. Hodgdon, representing Captain H. L. Miller, skipper of the California, and the ship's crew. |
 A redwood replica of the ship's mascot will be mounted to the ship's deck. | |
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