BISMARCK, N.D. – The Navy has put the $2.6 billion submarine named North Dakota through tests to determine its seaworthiness and capabilities, ahead of its late-October commissioning.
The sub was delivered in late August and put through trials in the Atlantic Ocean that included taking it underwater, testing its propulsion plant and conducting an emergency resurfacing, the Navy said in a statement Tuesday.
“North Dakota and her crew delivered an outstanding performance,” said Rear Adm. David Johnson, the Navy’s program executive officer for submarines.
The sub with a crew of 138 sailors can launch cruise missiles, deliver special forces commandos and carry out surveillance. It is the first Navy vessel to carry the name North Dakota in a century. It was to be commissioned in Connecticut in May, but that was postponed because of several design changes.
The commissioning is now set for Oct. 25 in Groton, Connecticut.
“Now that certifications are complete, and we’re armed with lessons learned, we can move forward knowing that we are providing our fleet with the most capable, and battle-ready submarine possible,” said Capt. David Goggins, a submarine program manager.
The crest of the North Dakota features wheat stalks and a pair of crossed revolvers beneath the bow of the sub.
