USS New York City (SSN-696) Submarine Model. Dive with the USS New York City (SSN-696) Submarine again in this handcrafted 20-inch submarine. Each piece is carved from wood and handpainted to provide a piece you’ll love. Length – 20 inches. US Veteran Owned Business. The product is not intended to be used by children 12 years and younger. USS New York City (SSN-696) was a Los Angeles-class submarine and the only warship of the United States Navy to be named specifically for New York City as distinct from the U. The contract to build New York City was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 24 January 1972 and her keel was laid down on 15 December 1973. She was launched on 18 June 1977 sponsored by Mrs. Rachel Line Schlesinger (née Mellinger), wife of former Secretary of Defence James R. Schlesinger, delivered to the Navy on 23 January 1979, and commissioned on 3 March 1979 with Commander James A.