The US Navy's 11th Virginia-class attack submarine was christened in
Groton, Conn., Nov. 2, during a late-morning ceremony at the General
Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) shipyard. The ceremony marked the official
naming of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) North Dakota (SSN 784). The ship
is currently under construction by both GDEB and Newport News Shipbuilding,
a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, through a teaming arrangement.
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Ship sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm.
Jeff Fowler, was on hand to officially christen the submarine by breaking
a bottle of sparkling wine against the back of the boat's sail.
"In the name of the United States, I christen thee North Dakota.
May God bless her and all that sail in her," said Mrs. Fowler just
before giving the bottle a brisk swing.
During keynote remarks, Commander Submarine Forces Vice Adm. Michael
Connor told more than 4,500 dignitaries, Sailors, and shipyard personnel
in attendance that the Navy needs the nuclear-powered attack submarine
as soon as "practical."
"The Submarine Force eagerly awaits the day when USS North Dakota
will assume the watch and establish a legendary reputation worthy of
the name North Dakota," said Connor. "There's still much to
be done, and there is not a moment to lose."
PCU North Dakota is the second Navy ship named after the 39th state.
The first was a Delaware-class dreadnought battleship.
SSN 784's name was chosen in honor of North Dakota's proud military
heritage. Seventeen North Dakotans have been awarded the Medal of Honor
for actions in combat.
In future years, the attack submarine will deliver speed, agility, stealth,
endurance and firepower to combatant commanders directing U.S. military
operations around the globe.
Virginia-class subs have improved stealth and sophisticated surveillance
capabilities. Their special warfare enhancements enable them to meet
multiple mission requirements.
North Dakota will be able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate
Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of
land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Its reactor plant
is designed so that it will not require refueling during the planned
life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing time at
sea.
North Dakota's construction will continue during the next few months
as its 138 crewmembers prepare to evaluate the ship's seaworthiness
and operational performance during sea trials.
"The Navy and the nation count on our submarine force to deliver
relevant and powerful capabilities where and when it matters, and nothing
is more important to meeting that commitment than building the most
capable submarines in the world," said Rear Adm. Ken Perry, commander,
Submarine Group 2.
In addition to surveillance missions, North Dakota will be able to perform
anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; deliver and support special forces;
and conduct mine delivery and minefield mapping operations.
"Every phase of submarine construction requires world-class expertise
and close partnership, and today's christening at Electric Boat signifies
a key milestone in that partnership toward delivering North Dakota to
the fleet," Perry added.
PCU North Dakota is scheduled officially join the Navy fleet once commissioned
in early 2014.
The submarine measures 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet.
It will displace 7,800 tons and be capable of operating at more than
25 knots under water.
By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
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