Breaking news
US Navy commissions USS North Dakota (SSN 784), First Block III Virginia Class Submarine.
| 2014
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2014) The PCU North Dakota (SSN 784) during bravo sea trials. The crew performed exceptionally well on both alpha and bravo sea trials. The submarine North Dakota is the 11th ship of the Virginia class, the first U.S. Navy combatants designed for the post-Cold War era. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released) |
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North
Dakota has the capability 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. Other missions
include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; special forces delivery
and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping. Virginia-class submarines are 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, have a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. They are built with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. Virginia-class submarines are built to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting Anti-Submarine; Anti-Surface Ship; Strike; Special Operation Forces; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; Irregular Warfare; and Mine Warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - Sea Control, Power Projection, Forward Presence, Maritime Security, and Deterrence. |
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