| Pre-commissioning Era: Launching
6 April 1974 USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), first of a new class of nuclear powered, fast attack submarines was launched on April 6, 1974 in a dual ceremony
with the keel laying of the USS CINCINATTI (SSN-693) at Newport News Shipbuilding. The crew's family & friends were joined by over 1500 Newport News Shipbuilding design, engineering, manufacturing and administrative employees who were directly involved in building the lead submarine. Photo Index | Click on the small photo to see a larger version with more information. | 
| Keel of CINCINNATI and hull of LOS ANGELES ready for the twin ceremony of launch and keel laying. |
 | Invitation to launch festivities. | 
| USS LOS ANGELES, SSN-688 on the ways, ready for launching. | |
| Family, friends and other well wishers gather to watch the christening and launching of USS LOS ANGELES, SSN-688. |
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In the ring: The USS LOS ANGELES, SSN-688 viewed within the great circular hull section ("keel") of the USS CINCINATTI, SSN-691. | 
| Keel laying ceremony included the welding of the USS CINCINATTI keel. |
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