The USS Los Angeles, the first among the largest class of nuclear-powered submarines in the world, has undergone final decommissioning, according to a feature on the Navy website.

The USS Los Angeles was launched in 1974 and commissioned on November 13, 1976. It was a pioneer in fast-attack submarines, and was to replace the Skipjack-, Permit- and Sturgeon-class SSNs of the U.S. Navy. The Los Angeles-class submarines are the largest nuclear-powered submarine class in the world, with 62 such subs constructed between 1972 and 1996.

Lt. Cmdr. Darrel Lewis, executive officer of the Los Angeles and master of ceremonies for the event, said: “Thirty-four years ago, a crew similar to this one ran aboard Los Angeles, bringing life to this steel body… Today, we reluctantly bid her farewell.”

In attendance during the ceremonies were Cmdr. Steven Harrison, the last commanding officer of the USS Los Angeles; Capt. Mark Whitney, commander of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, where the final decommissioning was held; and Capt. Dan Prince, chief of staff of Submarine Group 9.

The USS Los Angeles is the fourth ship to bear the name of the City of Angels, after a World War I tanker, an airship, and a Cold War-era heavy cruiser. In its more than thirty years in service, the USS Los Angeles was the recipient of numerous honors, including seven Battle Efficiency Awards, seven Meritorious Unit Commendations and one Navy Unit Commendation.

Cmdr. Harrison said: “The ship served proudly, as well as all the other remaining ships of the class, and contributed to victory in the (Cold) War in ways the general public will never know about… We are proud to be the final crew of the USS Los Angeles.”