About this Unit
The USS Los Angeles refers to multiple vessels in United States Navy history, most notably the airship USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) and the submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688). The USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) was a rigid airship built in Germany and delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1924 as part of World War I reparations, serving primarily in experimental and training roles until its decommissioning in 1932. The USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), commissioned in 1976, was the lead ship of the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, playing a critical role in Cold War naval operations and technological advancements in undersea warfare. The submarine remained in service for 34 years before being decommissioned in 2010, marking the end of a distinguished career that helped define modern U.S. submarine capabilities.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Vessels Named "USS Los Angeles": The name "USS Los Angeles" has been assigned to both an airship and a nuclear-powered submarine, each with unique histories in the U.S. Navy.
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USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) – The Airship: The first USS Los Angeles was a rigid airship (blimp) designated ZR-3, built in Germany in 1923-1924 and delivered to the U.S. as a war reparation after World War I.
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Longest-Serving Rigid Airship: ZR-3 USS Los Angeles served from 1924 to 1932, making it the longest-serving rigid airship in U.S. Navy history and avoiding the tragic fates of similar airships like USS Akron and USS Macon.
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Airship's Dramatic Tilt: In 1927, strong winds caused the USS Los Angeles airship to tilt nearly vertical while moored, but it was saved from disaster, and the incident produced dramatic and famous photographs.
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USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) – The Submarine: The second USS Los Angeles is the lead ship of the Los Angeles-class, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, commissioned in 1976 and decommissioned in 2010.
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Lead Ship of Its Class: SSN-688 was the first of 62 Los Angeles-class submarines, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy's attack submarine force during the Cold War.
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Record-Setting Construction: The submarine USS Los Angeles was constructed at Newport News Shipbuilding and set records for rapid construction and commissioning in the 1970s.
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Cold War Service: USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) served extensively during the Cold War, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and undersea warfare missions.
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Hollywood Connections: The submarine and its class are frequently featured or referenced in popular culture, including films like "The Hunt for Red October" and documentaries about submarine warfare.
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Final Resting Place: After decommissioning, the sail of USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) is displayed at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, California, as a tribute to the sub and its crew.
