It has been 85 years since a Navy submarine was named for our state...

After months of lobbying, it will happen again...

Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter has agreed to name a new nuclear submarine after our state.

Members of the "USS North Dakota" Committee announced today that the ship WILL be commissioned.

It's the first time since 1923 that a USS North Dakota will soon be part of the nation's fleet.

Senator Byron Dorgan says many people helped make this happen...

Senator Byron Dorgan/(D) North Dakota: I formed a statewide committee, the chamber of commerce was involved the congretional delegation, the governor, ordinary citizens, navy veterans and schoolchildren were involved and I think the Navy sec. was impressed by that...but to have on the hull of a new submarine the USS North Daktoa I think it's a wonderful tribute to our state and frankly I know every Navy veteran in North Dakota is going to be enormously proud of that as well.

The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in 2013 and is currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list