[1972 Keel Laying] [Christening] [1974 Launching] [PRECOM Unit] [1976 Commissioning] [Presidential Cruise] [1977 Med' Cruise] [1978 Change Port] [1979 WESTPAC] [1980 WESTPAC] [1981 WESTPAC] [1981 Dep Cruise] [1982 Dry Dock] [1982 NORTHPAC] [1982-83 WESTPAC] [1984-85 Puget Sound] [1988 WESTPAC] [1990 NORTHPAC] [1991 WESTPAC] [1992 Shipyard] [1999 WESTPAC]

[Ring Laid] [Authenticated]

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Pre-commissioning Era: Keel Laying
Newport News Shipbuilding: 8 January, 1972

    There are distinctive phases of a ships life: Planning; Building; Testing; Delivery; Operational; and finally Retirement. These phases are marked by traditional milestone celebrations: Keel Laying; Christening; Launching; Commissioning; and De-Commissioning.

    The Keel Laying Ceremony celebrates the laying of the first timber and can be traced back to the first ship building for our Navy. The current ceremony, maintans the tradition, but  has been modified to take into consideration updates in materials, technology, and techniques.

    The USS LOS ANGELES, SSN-688 keel was laid down at Newport News Shipbuilding on 8 January, 1972.

Photo Index

Click on the small photo to see a larger version with more information.

SSN-688 Keel Laying. This is actually the first hull ring as submarines do not have keels. The first hull ring is laid in place and then authenticated.

The "keel plate"  is authenticated with hammer and steel punch.