BISMARCK, N.D. — A Navy-owned ship that will be used to transport troops will soon carry the name of the city of Bismarck.
The Bismarck City Commission earlier this month voted in support of the move. City officials plan to team up with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce to fund events celebrating the new high-speed vessel.
Bob Wefald made the request regarding the city's namesake ship, the Bismarck Tribune reported. Wefald previously helped drive the commissioning of the submarine the USS North Dakota.
He said the USNS Bismarck will be built by an Alabama-based company and should be complete next year. Wefald said the ship will be operated by a 21-member civilian crew and will transport 300 Marines or Navy personnel and their equipment.
Wefald said the USNS Bismarck will be a state-of-the-art ship propelled by water jets. The ship will include a flight deck for helicopter operations and off-load ramp for vehicles. Any guns would be used for averting pirate attacks.
"I think we're lucky to get this vessel named for the great city of Bismarck," Wefald said.
Bismarck's mayor will participate in the boat's christening, Wefald said, and residents will be asked for suggestions for what should be in the boat's crest.
