Los Angeles-class submarine

The Los Angeles class, also known as the 688 class after its lead boat USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), is a class of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines in service with the United States Navy. Sixty-two were built from 1972 to 1996, the last 23 to an improved 688i standard, and as of 2026 twenty-three remain in commission. Development began in 1967 as a response to Soviet submarines able to keep pace with American carrier groups, and the class is about 50 percent larger than the preceding Sturgeon class with major improvements in stealth and speed. Unlike earlier attack submarines named for sea creatures, the boats are named for American towns and cities, except USS Hyman G. Rickover. General Dynamics Electric Boat held the contract for 18 of the early boats.