Various shots of the USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN-686) during sea trials in the Virginia Capes, VA area.




Initials



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Background: BACKGROUND: The nuclear-powered submarine USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN-686) will be commissioned February 1, at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Naval Base, Charleston, South Carolina. The submarine is named for the late South Carolina Congressman who served as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 1965 until his death in 1971.

Principal speaker for the ceremony will be Mr. River's former fellow committeeman, Congressman O. C. Fisher of Texas.

In addition to Congressman Fisher, South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards and local, state and federal civilian and military dignitaries will attend the ceremony.

USS L. MENDEL RIVERS was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, VA. The submarine will be homeported in Charleston, SC, upon commissioning, attached to Submarine Squadron FOUR.

The ship is designed primarily for operations against hostile submarines and is equipped with advanced antisubmarine weapons systems. She has an overall length of 300 feet and will carry a complement of 12 officers and approximately 100 enlisted crewmen.

Prospective commanding officer of the USS L. MENDEL RIVERS is Commander Roderic L. Wolfe of Granville, Ohio.