Mayor Gordo Invites Secretary of Navy to City; Wants New USS Pasadena

The USS Pasadena (SSN 752) arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for repairs and renovation on Sept. 28, 2020. [Credit: Daniel DeAngelis/Norfolk Naval Shipyard]

In a letter to the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Mayor Victor Gordo extended an invitation to visit the City to discuss naming a new vessel after the City.

The current USS Pasadena was commissioned on Feb. 11, 1989, but that submarine is set to be decommissioned.

“I am writing to thank you for the phone call that was held last week with Congresswoman Judy Chu to discuss the City of Pasadena’s request for a new USS Pasadena submarine to be commissioned, as our current submarine is set to be decommissioned in the not too distant future,” Gordo wrote in the Jan. 25 letter.

In June 2022, former mayor Bill Paparian wrote an opinion piece for Pasadena Now calling for Gordo to contact the Navy before the current USS Pasadena was decommissioned.

“Well, I have a few words of advice for you Mr. Mayor. First, don’t wait until the end of your term to do something. Pick up the phone today and contact the Pasadena Chapter of the Navy League and offer to help them. The next step should be to resurrect the USS Pasadena Foundation.”

Ship decommissioning usually occurs after a vessel has become too old or obsolete. The vessel is retired with honor from the country’s armed forces.

Gordo reached out to Paparian after the article was published.

The submarine is the third ship named after the City.

The first USS Pasadena was a cargo ship in use in 1918 and 1919. A light cruiser bearing the name was in service from 1944 to 1950.

Gordo said it has been a source of honor and pride to have ships named after Pasadena since World War I.

“As you are aware, we have supported the USS Pasadena Foundation in the past, and look forward to continuing to do so in the future,” Gordo said. “The USS Pasadena Foundation stands ready to “foster” the USS California as we await the commissioning of a new USS Pasadena.

“We would be pleased to have you visit our City and discuss recruitment efforts for the Navy, and stand ready to facilitate a meeting with San Gabriel Valley mayors and school superintendents to discuss how we may be able to work together to assist with recruiting challenges.”