Before ND sub is launched, there's bookwork

Talk about it

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The commander of a nuclear submarine that's named for North Dakota says he's impressed by the state's support of the vessel.

The submarine is about half built. It's scheduled to go into service in 2014. Commander Douglas Gordon is in charge, and he spoke Thursday about the preparations for the sub's launch.

Gordon says he and the vessel's other sailors were impressed by the campaign to have it named after North Dakota. Gordon says he's never seen stronger community backing for a new vessel.

The sub is part of a new design called the Virginia class. Previous subs have had problems with parts of their outer skins peeling off.

Gordon says the problem has been repaired, and he's not worried about having similar difficulties with the North Dakota.

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