Commissioning of USS Minnesota: 'Remarkable Submarine,' Says U.S. Rep. McCollum

Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents Oakdale in the U.S. House, was among a delegation of nearly 70 Minnesotans that traveled to Norfolk, Va., over the weekend to take part in the commissioning of the USS Minnesota, the Navy’s newest and most advanced warship in active duty. 

Construction of the Minnesota began in February 2008. The ship was dubbed the “Minnesota” on July 15, 2008. The selection of the moniker Minnesota, designated SSN 783, honors the state's citizens and their continued support to our nation's military. 

“In the coming decades, the thousands of brave men and women who will serve on the U.S.S. Minnesota will have an unbreakable bond to the great state that I represent. On behalf of Minnesota, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and prayers to the officers and crew who will sail this remarkable submarine,” McCollum wrote in her newsletter.

At 377 feet and 7,800 tons, the USS Minnesota has a crew of 134 officers and enlisted personnel. The $2 billion submarine can dive to 800 feet and when submerged reach speeds of more than 25 knots (29 mph).

Those who made the privately funded trip included 24 state lawmakers, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, guests, citizens and members of the Twin Cities chapter of the U.S. Navy League.

Upon completion, the USS Minnesota will be the 10th of a projected 30 Virginia-class submarines and the third Navy ship named for the state of Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.ussminnesotassn783.com or check out photos on this Tumblr page dedicated to the USS Commissioning Ceremony.