Navy Prepares To Commission USS Minnesota

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- The Navy is preparing for its newest attack submarine to join the fleet.

The USS Minnesota will be commissioned during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday.

It will be the third time a Navy ship has been named after Minnesota, and officials from that state are expected to attend the commissioning.

Later this winter, the Minnesota will move to its home port in Groton, Conn.

The 377-foot long sub is capable of submerged speeds of more than 25 knots and can stay submerged for up to three months at a time.

Attack submarines are designed to fight enemy submarines and surface ships, and can also fire Tomahawk cruise missiles ashore. The Minnesota's torpedo room can also be reconfigured to carry large numbers of special operations forces and equipment.

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