The U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine is being commissioned Saturday at Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
The USS North Dakota, designated SSN 784, is the 11th submarine of its class, which are being acquired by the Navy through 2043. It was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and was delivered to the Navy in August.
"USS North Dakota and her crew represent the finest we have to offer in our Navy's undersea force," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. "They will continue a legacy of heroism and rich tradition since the earliest days of our submarine program."
The USS North Dakota and other submarines of the class is 377 feet long, 34 feet in the beam and displace 7,800 tons. It has a speed of more than 25 knots while submerged.
The Navy said it is built with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship.
The USS North Dakota will carry Tomahawk cruise missiles as well as anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons.
