ST. PAUL, MN— Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) will be joining a delegation of state officials for the commissioning of the USS Minnesota—the United States Navy’s newest fast attack submarine— in Norfolk, Virginia on September 7.
The ship will be commissioned into use at Naval Station Norfolk, where the Minnesota delegation of state lawmakers, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, guests, private citizens, and members of the Twin Cities chapter of the U.S. Navy League will send off the crew of 135 sailors as they begin official Navy operations.
The USS Minnesota is considered one of the most advanced submarines in the world at 377 feet, is capable of submerged speeds of more than 25 knots (30 mph) and can remain submerged for up to three months at a time. Construction of the vessel began in February 2008 with goals of increased firepower, maneuverability, and stealth.
Rep. Fritz will be attending with her husband, a Navy veteran.
“We’re honored to have been invited and to be a part of the ceremony for the USS Minnesota,” said Fritz. “We’ve always been a Navy family and this submarine is a big deal for our state and for our Navy.”
The ship bears the motto "From the North, Power." The last Navy vessel with the name “Minnesota” was a battleship commissioned over 100 years ago.
All attendees will cover their own transportation and lodging costs for the occasion and no state funds are being used. For more information, visit www.ussminnesotassn783.com.
Rep. Fritz can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8237 or by email at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
-30-