The US Navy Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) USS North Dakota successfully completed her extended drydocking selected restricted availability at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine on Saturday, August 29.
The navy said the completion of the drydocking means the SSN can be returned to the fleet ahead of the rebaselined schedule.
The project successfully integrated advanced maritime technologies.
"The North Dakota project team and ship’s crew successfully navigated several first-time technical alterations and executed the testing program, including its critical testing phase, at a historically rapid pace," the navy said in a press release.
"The state-of-the-art technological capabilities integrated during this availability translate directly into immediate operational capability and credible combat power, strengthening the readiness and resilience of the submarine force and helping our navy maintain its global edge,” said Captain Mike Poplawski, commodore, Submarine Squadron Two.
The navy said achieving this enhanced operational readiness required a seamless, months-long partnership between the shipyard's civilian workforce and the submarine's crew.
North Dakota underwent repairs, structural inspections, and replacements of mechanical and electrical systems during the drydock period.
