NORFOLK-One of the Navy's newest ships smells.

Spokesmen acknowledge that the unpleasant odors have been detected aboard the California, a nuclear-powered guided missile frigate commissioned only 14 months ago.

The problem wasn't discovered until the ship "went to sea in a warm climate," and it will cost about $70,700 to correct according to one official.

The California, which cost about $200 million and contains the latest electronics gear, reportedly lacks simple deck-
drainage vents. This deficiency has been blamed for the odor problem.

The California is now in Portsmouth's Naval Shipyard, where 3,900 man hours are being expended to dispel the odors. Vents are being installed.

The Navy says that it is "in the process of obtaining compensation" from Newport News Shipbuilding, the company that constructed the frigate, for this work.

"The vents to correct the drain-system problem were not installed at Newport News because the problem was not discovered until after the ship was delivered to the Navy,"
a Pentagon spokesman said.

He said the Navy will make its final decision on the matter when its contract with Newport News Shipbuilding is ultimately settled.

A spokesman for Newport News Shipbuilding said, "The company does not believe it has any liability to the Navy with respect to this problem." He said the matter is under review.

The California's keel was laid in January 1970. The vessel was launched about two years later with a near miss of the champagne bottle by Mrs. Richard Nixon, and the frigate received its commissioning in December 1973.

According to spokesmen, the unpleasant odors resulted from improper venting of rainwater, seawater, and other liquids.

Officially, officials acknowledge, the California was receiving odors from a fixture designed for emptying bedpans, but this reportedly was corrected before the vessel left Newport News.

Spokesmen said that the California has been in Portsmouth for installation of the drainage vents and other work since Sept. 27. It is expected to leave in March.

Aside from the vent problem, however, officials insist that there is nothing unusual about the California's presence in the Naval Shipyard. They said that all warships undergo a so-called "shipyard availability" period following their shakedown cruises.

The nation's next nuclear carrier, the Nimitz, is expected to enter the Portsmouth shipyard next fall for postshakedown work.