The Navy commissioned its eighth Virginia-class submarine, USS California (SSN 781), during a ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk Oct. 29. More than 1,500 people attended the ceremony at the naval station, while others viewed it live on the Internet. Rep. Buck McKeon of California, House Armed Services Committee chairman and the ceremony's keynote speaker, welcomed California to the fleet and reminded the crew of the important role they will play in protecting the nation's security.