By Paul Knopick
Times-Herald Staff Writer
USS California (DLGN-36), a nuclear powered guided missile frigate built at Newport News Shipbuilding, will be commissioned and delivered to the Navy Feb. 16, according to Navy sources.
California completed successful sea trials in December, but shortly afterward received superficial damage when struck by a drifting tanker.
Commissioning ceremonies are expected to take place at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Other ceremonies are expected in San Diego, where the frigate will be home-ported.
California is the sixth ship to bear the state's name, and veterans of the previous ships will be invited to the California ceremonies.
California is one of five missile frigates being built at the yard, and on of two in her class.
Some 500 officers and men will serve on her. She is 596 feet long, with a 61 foot beam and weighs some 10,000 tons.
California, to be used as an escort for nuclear aircraft carriers, is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine guided missiles. She has two nuclear reactors and can travel over 30 knots.
Navy sources also said that the L. Mendel Rivers (SSN-686) an attack submarine, will undergo sea trials sometime after June.
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