USS North Dakota commissioned

GROTON, Conn., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- The USS North Dakota, the U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, was commissioned Saturday at a ceremony at Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

The vessel, designated SSN 784, is the 11th submarine in the Virginia class and was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat. It's the first of eight Block III Virginia -class submarines planned to be built.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the 30th chief of naval operations, said the vessel plays a key role in the nation's security.

"It is with great pride that I welcome USS North Dakota to the fleet," said Greenert, who was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. "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."

"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."

The USS North Dakota and other submarines of the class are 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.

Additional reporting by Richard Tomkins.