North Dakota is one step closer to sailing the seas. The United States Navy has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the USS North Dakota

It's part of fourteen billion dollar contract for the construction of eight subMarines. A grassroots campaign helped push the idea of naming he ship after our state. Brandi Pelham with Governor John Hoeven's office says it's an exciting event for North Dakota.

"This has been a great opportunity for North Dakotans to get involved and participate in a great event in North Dakota history," said Brandi Pelham, Hoeven’s spokesperson. The USS North Dakota is scheduled to be commissioned in 2014. Earlier this year the US Navy named another one of the ships to be built the USS Minnesota. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list