ND SCR4013

Expresses legislative support for USS NORTH DAKOTA (SSN-784), the eleventh Virginia Class nuclear-powered attack submarine named after North Dakota, marking the first Navy ship to carry the state's name in over 90 years.

Recognizes the submarine's advanced capabilities including two cylinders holding six Tomahawk cruise missiles each, latest SONAR equipment, torpedoes, and capacity to carry Special Forces personnel and equipment.

Notes the ship is expected to be christened in September 2013 by Mrs. Katie Fowler and commissioned in summer 2014, with a crew of 14 officers and 120 enlisted men under Commander Douglas V. Gordon.

Directs the Secretary of State to forward an enrolled copy of the resolution to Commander Gordon and encourages North Dakota citizens to support the submarine throughout its expected 33-year service life.

Thanks former Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter for naming the submarine after North Dakota.