California
State Military DepartmentPOC: Mark J. Denger
Phone: (818)240-1775; Email: Permit1@Flash.net
The LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM, the largest Maritime Museum on the Pacific Coast, has been selected as the official host site for the city's SUBMARINE CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT because of its long standing historical connection to the U.S. Navy and Submarine Force. Located very close to the original home of the first Submarine Base on the Pacific Coast, the LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM is also the home of the USS LOS ANGELES NAVAL MONUMENT, dedicated "to the Personnel and Ships of the United States Navy."
The LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM, located just blocks from the famous Ports-of-Call Seaport Village, overlooks the harbor of Los Angeles. The great Port of Los Angeles, located within the city limits of San Pedro, was annexed as part of the city of Los Angeles in 1909. It was during this early period of Los Angeles' history that the U.S. Navy established its first Submarine Base on the Pacific Coast in San Pedro.
Housed within the museum are seven galleries containing a large collection of beautifully crafted models, some made famous in Hollywood films. In addition to the large model collection are paintings, sailor crafts, seafaring artifacts, and memorabilia reflecting the maritime heritage of the greater Los Angeles harbor and Pacific. Inside the Maritime Museum's Navy Hall, which includes a display of hundreds of naval vessels in model form, can be found the actual flying bridge of the third LOS ANGELES (CA-135), which allows visitors to look out onto the Port of Los Angeles, home of America's largest harbor and one of the most prosperous ports, as though they were actually standing on the bridge of the cruiser that once beared the name Los Angeles.
Among the many displays which will be displayed during the Submarine Centennial will be the shipbuilder's model of the heavy cruiser LOS ANGELES (CA-135) which will be displayed next to the actual shipbuilder's model of the fourth ship –USS LOS ANGELES (SSN-688). The LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM is also the home of several artifacts from the third Navy ship to bear the city's name –USS LOS ANGELES (CA-135), including that ship's bell, a portion of the heavy cruiser's bow, mast, anchors, mooring bits, capstan cover are proudly displayed in the front of the Museum's building or in the adjacent Maritime Memorial Park, the home of the USS LOS ANGELES NAVAL MONUMENT.
Throughout the Submarine Centennial year, the LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM will not only display many of the artifacts which once belonged to the first, second and third naval ships to bear the name Los Angeles, but will feature a special tribute to the USS LOS ANGELES (SSN-688).
The USS LOS ANGELES (SSN-688) is the lead ship of the largest class of high speed nuclear powered attack submarines in the Navy's arsenal today. Launched on April 6, 1974 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia, her sponsor was the Honorable Anne L. Armstrong, counselor to then President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. The LOS ANGELES was commissioned on November 13, 1976. After completing numerous sea trials associated with all new submarine classes, on May 27, 1977, LOS ANGELES hosted President Jimmy Carter for an at-sea demonstration of the capabilities of the nation's newest attack submarine. Dubbed the Navy's "First and Finest," the LOS ANGELES recently passed her 20th birthday, and following an extensive 31 month overhaul in March 1995, returned to the fleet as one of the most modern and capable submarines in the Navy today equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art components.
The design for the insignia of the LOS ANGELES was chosen from a number of drawings submitted by high school students of Los Angeles, California. Miss Sandra Higashi's design was selected from hundreds of entries because of its depiction of the history of the previous ships named LOS ANGELES and her creative use of the dolphin –insignia of the U.S. Submarine Service –to represent each one of the ships bearing the name of the city of Los Angeles. Porpoises or "dolphins," as they are sometimes labeled, represent the ship's speed, grace, and endurance.
The city of Los Angeles, as a submarine city namesake, offers the public a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the USS LOS ANGELES and its distinguished history which is being displayed at the LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM so that its historical role and significance in the history of the U.S. Navy will continue to honor the city of Los Angeles.
We invite you to come and listen to the creak and roll of the sailing ships of old, smell the rigging tar, stand at the flying bridge of the USS LOS ANGELES (CA-135), speak with water master modelers at work, or simply feel the sea breeze in your face, as you take home a memory of this city's seafaring adventure during the UNITED STATES NAVY'S SUBMARINE CENTENNIAL.
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The museum is located at Berth 84, at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Sixth Streets, in San Pedro, California. From the freeways, take 110 South [Harbor Freeway] to the Harbor Boulevard off ramp, and turn right onto Harbor Boulevard. Go one mile to 6th Street, and turn left. Parking is Free. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays). Tours in English and Spanish are available by appointment. Telephone: 310-548-7618.