(S.D.) - Navy says new submarine named in honor of SD

By: John Thayer Posted at: 04/13/2012 09:20 AM
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota's name is going on a new attack submarine.
    
The USS South Dakota will join other submarines named for Illinois, Washington, Colorado and Indiana. Workers started building the sub last year.
    
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus (MAY'-bus) says none of the five states has had a vessel named for it for almost 50 years.
    
The last Navy ship named for South Dakota was a World War II battleship.
    
Mabus says the new submarines will be able to launch cruise missiles, carry naval commandos and conduct surveillance operations.
    
The Navy is also building a sub that's named for North Dakota. It's scheduled to be commissioned in 2014.
    
The last North Dakota ship was a World War battleship that was sold for scrap in 1931.
    

    
     (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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