Navy Secretary to Host USS South Dakota Naming Ceremony

From Defense Media Activity-Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will host a ship naming ceremony in honor of USS South Dakota, June 23, at 2 p.m. CDT at the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls, S.D.

South Dakota, a Virginia-class submarine designated SSN 790, is the third ship to bear the state's name. The second ship was a battleship that stood as the lead ship of her class and earned thirteen battle stars during her extensive service in the Pacific theater during World War II.

This next-generation attack submarine will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. Virginia-class submarines will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

The future USS South Dakota will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land area, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; mine delivery and minefield mapping. It is also designed for special forces delivery and support.

SSN 790 will be built at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn and will be 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, have a beam of 34 feet, and operate at speeds greater than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News.

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at 703-697-5342. For more information about attack submarines, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4.

For more news from Secretary of the Navy, visit http://www.navy.mil/SECNAV.