California (CGN 36) - Naval Cruise Book

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USS CALirORHIA (CGn-36) Photo by LT O Mem guns, an 8 cell anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) launcher, twin MK 15 Mod 6 Close-in Weapon Systems (CIU ' S), and four antisub- marine torpedo tubes. The CALIFORniA is equipped with the AH SQS 26 long range sonar. The ship carries an array of elec- tronic equipment for long and short range communications, con- trol of interceptor aircraft, air and surface target detection and track- ing, electronic warfare and naviga- tion. It is capable of simultaneous 3-dimensional warfare with Com- bat Information Center s decision makers aided by the computerized naval Tactical Data System (FiTDS). The ship ' s twin reactors give it es- sentially unlimited endurance. It can sustain high speeds for long periods of time and is capable of conducting extended operations in combat areas far from supply bases. CALirORPilA s fuel supply nill last approximately 13 years. Photo by: AE2 Jones, USS MAKS ATS 1 The si th ship to bear the state ' s name, is the first of a class of nu- ( lear-powered guided missile cruisers constiiicted in Piewport news Shipbtiilding and Drydock Co., newport news, Va. Also, it is the first nuclear-powered combat- ant to be named after a state. CALlFOHniA ' s keel was laid on Januaty 23, 1970. The ship ' s sponsor was Mrs. Richard M. nix- on, the former first lady. Mrs. nix- on christened the ship on Septem- ber 22, 1971. On Febiuary 16, 1974, CALIFORniA was commis- sioned for seiiicc in the Atlantic fleet. CALIFORniA is 596 feet in length, with a beam of 61 feet and a full- load displacement of 1 1,000 tons. The crew consists of 40 officers and 560 enlisted men. The ship s mission is to operate as part of a fast carrier task force, or independently to detect and de- stroy an) hostile force. The ship ' s armament includes two standard guided missile batteries, two-quad Harpoon (cruise missile) launch- ers, two Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff (RBOO launchers, two 5 ' 54 Caliber lightweight

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USS CALIFORniA BB-44 BB-44 PRIOR TO PEARL HARBOR BB-44 AFTER PEARL HARBOR The largest ship to bear the state name was the battleship CALI- FORniA, BB-44. The ship was commissioned on 10 August 1921 and for 19 years served as flagship of the Pacific Fleet (1931-1941). Its charac teristics were: length, 624 feet; displace- ment, 32,300 tons; speed 21 knots; and complement, 57 offi- cers and 1,026 enlisted men. The ship was armed with 12 14 50 guns, 14 5 51 guns, and 21- inch submerged torpedo tubes. On Sunday, December 7, 1941, CALIFORniA was berthed in Battleship Row ' at Pearl Har- bor. During the Japanese aerial attack, the CALIFORniA took three torpedo hits, causing the ship to list 8 degrees to port. By Thursday, the CALIFORniA was sitting on the harbor s floor with only its superstructure above the surface. In 1942, the CALIFORniA was refloated. After repairs, the ship departed by Puget Sound navy Yard, Washington, for major re- construction. The CALIFORniA returned to active service in 1944. During WWII, the CALIFORniA earned seven battle stars. It par- ticipated in shore bombard- ments during the Saipan, Guam, Tinian operations, and in the Battle of Surigao Strait. While providing gunfire support at Lin- gayen Gulf the CALIFORniA was struck by a kamikaze plane. After repairs, the ship served off Okinawa, in the East China Sea, and in support of the landing of the occupational forces in Ja- pan. The CALIFORniA was placed in commission rcseivc in 1946, de- commissioned in 1947, and sold for scrap in 1959.

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