Article Posted on : - Oct 27, 2014

A Virginia-class submarine. Image via internet

WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Navy has commissioned its newest attack submarine North Dakota at Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, on Saturday, the Department of Defence said.

North Dakota, designated SSN 784, honours the state's citizens and veterans and their strong military support and heritage from the Frontier Wars through the Cold War and currently the Global War on Terrorism.

North Dakota is the second ship named in honour of North Dakota, and will be the 11th Virginia-class submarine.

The next-generation attack submarines provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

They have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

North Dakota has the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces.

Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; Special Forces delivery and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping.

Virginia-class submarines are 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, have a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. They are built with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.