Bismarck officials approve city's name on military ship

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Navy-owned ship that will be used to transport troops will soon carry the city of Bismarck's name.

The Bismarck City Commission has voted in support of the move. City officials plan to team up with the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce to fund events celebrating the new high-speed vessel.

Bob Wefald made the request regarding the city's namesake ship. He says the USNS Bismarck will be built by an Alabama-based company and should be complete next year.

Wefald says the ship will be operated by a 21-member civilian crew. It will transport 300 Marines or Navy personnel and their equipment.

Wefald says the USNS Bismarck will be a state-of-the-art ship propelled by water jets. He says it will include a flight deck for helicopter operations and off-load ramp for vehicles.