News Release
Howe will attend USS Minnesota commissioning
ST. PAUL – Rep. Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, will be among legislators and other Minnesota officials attending the commissioning of the USS Minnesota submarine in Virginia Sept. 7.
Howe, a Navy veteran of more than three decades, will be on hand as the U.S. Navy’s newest submarine is commissioned. The 7,800-ton, 377-foot submarine is the third Navy vessel to bear Minnesota’s name – and the state’s first Navy-fleet namesake since 1907.
“This event is especially important to me since my military service began in the Navy,” Howe said. “This will be a very humbling experience and I am honored to be among those representing Minnesota – and particularly our part of the state – at this event.”
Reports indicate the USS Minnesota can reach more than 800 feet underwater and travel at more than 25 knots in submersion. It is equipped with its own nuclear reactor – eliminating the need for refueling while submerged – and can house a crew of 135 for months at a time.
Howe will be covering his own expenses for this trip, which will come at no cost to taxpayers.
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Rep. Howe can be contacted by email at rep.jeff.howe@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4373. To receive email updates sign-up on his webpage at www.house.mn/13a.