TLS signed “H. G. Rickover,” one page, 8 x 10.5, USS San Francisco letterhead, February 9, 1981. Letter to the Hon. William H. Natcher, who represented Kentucky in the House of Representatives from 1953 to 1994. In part: "We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS San Francisco (SSN711), our 79th nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged…This submarine is the third naval ship to bear the name San Francisco. The first, a steel protected cruiser, was launched on 26 October 1889 at Union Iron Works…The ship was assigned to the South Pacific Squadron and served with other ships as the unofficial international 'police force' patrolling the South American coast and Hawaii. The second, a heavy cruiser, was launched on 9 March 1933 and commissioned the following February…While being overhauled at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, the cruiser escaped damage during the Japanese attack on 7 December 1941 and later played a vital role in the Battle of Cape Esperance. At Guadalcanal the cruiser fought heroically during the battle, suffering extensive damage, and received the Presidential Unit Citation. The ship was decommissioned on 10 February 1946 after earning 17 battle stars. The San Francisco is one of our latest class of nuclear attack submarines, capable of attaining speeds higher than any achieved by earlier classes. In addition to high speed, this class is equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems, which increase their effectiveness. This class is also capable of operating in direct support of our aircraft carriers and other major surface combatants. Thirty-seven ships of this class have been authorized by Congress. In addition to 79 attack type submarines, we also have 38 Polaris and Poseidon ballistic missile firing submarines, making a total of 117 nuclear submarines in operation." In fine condition.
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