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USS North Dakota (SSN 784) officially became the Navy's newest addition to the submarine force following a commissioning ceremony held Oct. 25, at Naval Submarine Base New London. North Dakota is the 11th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the fleet, and the first of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are being built with new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities.
The 10 current Virginia-class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines being built will have two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each.Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the 30th Chief of Naval Operations, was the ceremony's keynote speaker. He enthusiastically welcomed North Dakota to the fleet and reminded the crew of the important role they will play in protecting the nation's security while executing his standing operating orders of: Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready. "It is with great pride that I welcome USS North Dakota to the fleet," said Greenert. "May God bless and guide this warship and all who shall sail on her. I congratulate all whose hard work and dedication brought this magnificent warship to life. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy and for the President of the United States, I hereby place USS North Dakota in commission."
Hundreds of citizens from North Dakota, including the governor and senators, attended the commissioning ceremony. "Today was a historic day for the people of North Dakota," said North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple. "We celebrated the commissioning of this majestic submarine just days before we mark the 125th anniversary of our statehood. We are proud and honored to have this grand ship bear the name, spirit and heritage of our great state."
USS North Dakota (SSN 784) officially became the Navy's newest addition to the submarine force following a commissioning ceremony held Oct. 25, at Naval Submarine Base New London. North Dakota is the 11th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the fleet, and the first of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are being built with new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities.
The 10 current Virginia-class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines being built will have two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each.Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the 30th Chief of Naval Operations, was the ceremony's keynote speaker. He enthusiastically welcomed North Dakota to the fleet and reminded the crew of the important role they will play in protecting the nation's security while executing his standing operating orders of: Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready. "It is with great pride that I welcome USS North Dakota to the fleet," said Greenert. "May God bless and guide this warship and all who shall sail on her. I congratulate all whose hard work and dedication brought this magnificent warship to life. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy and for the President of the United States, I hereby place USS North Dakota in commission."
Hundreds of citizens from North Dakota, including the governor and senators, attended the commissioning ceremony. "Today was a historic day for the people of North Dakota," said North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple. "We celebrated the commissioning of this majestic submarine just days before we mark the 125th anniversary of our statehood. We are proud and honored to have this grand ship bear the name, spirit and heritage of our great state."
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