USS North Dakota to be christened on statehood day

The USS North Dakota nuclear attack submarine — the first military vessel in almost a century to carry the state's name — will be christened on the same day North Dakota celebrates its 124th birthday, Secretary of State Al Jaeger said Monday.

The ceremony will be held on Nov. 2 in Groton, Conn. North Dakota entered the Union on Nov. 2, 1889.

The $2.6 billion, 377-foot Virginia-class submarine will have 120 sailors and 14 officers. It's designed to launch missiles, carry commando teams and perform reconnaissance missions.

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