SSN 781 is the eighth Virginia-class submarine, and the eighth United States Navy ship named for the state of California. The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding on August 14, 2003. Construction began Feb. 15, 2006, with keel authentication occurring May 1, 2009.

November 6, 2010 PCU California, commanded by Cmdr. Dana A. Nelson, is christened during an 11 a.m. ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va. Mrs. Donna Willard, wife of Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, served as sponsor of the ship.

July 2, 2011 The Pre-Commissioning Unit California returned to Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding after successfully completing its alpha sea trials.

August 7, U.S. Navy took delivery of PCU California from HII Newport News Shipbuilding more than eight and a half months early to the contract date and nearly five months faster than NNS' previous delivery of New Mexico (SSN 779).

October 21, SSN 781 returned to Naval Station Norfolk after successfully completed a six-week weapons systems acceptance trials.

October 29, USS California was commissioned during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

January 6, 2012 The California arrived at its new homeport of Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.