EB completes pressure hull on submarine North Dakota

Groton — The North Dakota, a Virginia-class submarine under construction at Electric Boat, reached a major construction milestone Thursday, Feb. 14 when the pressure hull was completed.

Cmdr. Doug Gordon, commanding officer of the North Dakota (SSN 784), said the milestone is a testament to the team work between the shipyard and the crew.

“It takes the concerted effort of many workers to reach this pivotal milestone in the construction of the future USS North Dakota,” he said.

The pressure hull was completed in 48 months, which is nearly two months faster than any previous ship of the class. The North Dakota is the first ship of the class with an entirely redesigned bow, in which two large payload tubes replace 12 individual launchers.

“The men and women of Electric Boat showed that even with a significant change in the design, they can still achieve efficiencies that reduce cost and schedule,” said Mike Nowak, the ship manager for North Dakota. “We really appreciate the help of the crew in getting to this milestone so early. They have been incredible about supporting the construction schedule.”