HYMAN G. RICKOVER (1900-1986) American admiral responsible for the construction of the "Nuclear Navy", starting with the submarine Nautilus. Fine content T.L.S. on imprinted letterhead of the USS San Francisco, 1p. 4to., "At Sea North Atlantic", Feb. 9, 1981, to Congressman. Andy Ireland, in part: "...We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS SAN FRANCISCO, our 79th nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surface and submerged...This submarine is the third naval ship to bear the name SAN FRANCISCO...The ship was assigned to the South Pacific Squadron and served with other ships as the unofficial international Ôpolice force' patrolling the South American coasts and Hawaii. The second, a heavy cruiser, was launched on 9 March 1933 and commissioned the following February at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California...At Guadalcanal the cruiser fought heroically during the battle, suffering extensive damage, and received the Presidential Unit Citation. The ship was decommissioned on 10 February 1946 after earning 17 battle stars. The SAN FRANSISCO is one of the latest class of nuclear attack submarines...". Near fine. $300-400