BISMARCK (KFGO-AM) - Bismarck has a naval ship named in its honor.
Former Attorney General Bob Wefald, who was behind the drive to get a Navy nuclear sub named for North Dakota says the decision came as a complete surprise. In fact, he once asked if the Navy might consider naming a ship after the capitol city and was told that name belongs to the German Navy.
Wefald says the joint high-speed USNS Bismarck will be built next year. The double hulled ship will be Navy owned but is not a war ship and will be operated by civilians. It can transport 300 troops and military equipment and is equipped with a landing pad for helicopters and can travel at 35 knots over long distances.