Pasadena isn’t often associated with the high seas or naval battles, but did you know there’s a nuclear submarine that proudly carries the city’s name?
The USS Pasadena, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, embodies a unique piece of the city’s legacy, and its story was highlighted during this year’s “Pasadena Salutes Our Veterans” event.
Held at Pasadena’s City Hall on Veterans Day, the ceremony featured many hallmarks of a traditional tribute — flags, flyovers, and representatives from all branches of the armed forces — but it also offered a fascinating glimpse into the lesser-known history of Pasadena’s naval namesake.
While Veterans Day is a time to honor those who’ve served, it also provides an ideal backdrop for locals to learn about the USS Pasadena and its role in the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
The USS Pasadena (SSN 752) is more than just a namesake; it’s a vessel with a distinguished record spanning nearly four decades. Built in the 1980s and launched in 1987, the submarine has been deployed to strategic locations around the world, from the Persian Gulf to the Arctic.
As part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, the USS Pasadena fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom during an eight-month deployment in 2003, coordinating air strikes against enemy positions. Since then, the USS Pasadena, affectionately called “The ‘Dena” by its crew, has visited ports around the world during its deployments and participated in countless maritime training exercises, such as the 2023 UNITAS LXIV off the coast of Central and South America.
Outfitted with nuclear propulsion, advanced sonar, and weapons systems, it represents a potent combination of speed, stealth, and strength. Operated by 140 sailors, the vessel’s capabilities allow it to perform a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering to mine deployment and missile strikes.
The decision to name the submarine after Pasadena was not random. Pasadena earned the honor in part through the efforts of Admiral James D. Watkins, a Pasadena resident who served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1982 to 1986. Thanks to his influence, Pasadena became one of the few smaller cities in the United States to have its name graced on a nuclear-powered submarine — an honor usually reserved for states or larger cities like San Diego or Houston.
After 35 years of service and winning four battle effectiveness awards between 1998 and 2023, Pasadena’s namesake submarine is still a vital piece of military hardware that is called upon for operations around the world. Today, the USS Pasadena is stationed at its home port in the U.S. Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia, awaiting its next deployment.
While having a nuclear submarine named after the city is certainly an honor, it’s not unprecedented. In fact, the name USS Pasadena has been carried by more than one Navy vessel.
The name was first given to a World War II-era Cleveland-class light cruiser, USS Pasadena (CL-65), which was launched in December 1943 and commissioned in June 1944. This formidable vessel played an active role in World War II, earning five battle stars during its deployment. The USS Pasadena light cruiser served with the Fast Carrier Task Force, providing crucial support in the Philippines, South China Sea, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and even during Japan’s occupation after the war.
The light cruiser was decommissioned 39 years before Pasadena’s namesake submarine was launched in 1989.
With numerous booths at the Veterans Day event, including those of the Pasadena Naval Sea Cadets, The American Legion Family, and other local service organizations, the “Pasadena Salutes Our Veterans” event served as a reminder of the city’s military ties, both past and present.
The USS Pasadena continues to stand as a symbol of the city’s resilience, embodying the spirit of its namesake as it patrols the world’s oceans.
As Pasadena’s residents celebrated Veterans Day, many also deepened their connection to a submarine that has quietly carried their city’s name into waters far from home.
