06.06.13

Delegation Statement on U.S. Navy Decision to Name Newest Ship USNS Bismarck

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer today issued the following statement after receiving notification from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that the U.S. Navy has decided to name one of its next three joint high-speed vessels (JHSV) the USNS Bismarck in recognition of its citizens’ hard work and as an expression of appreciation for their many contributions in support of the military. The USNS Bismarck (JHSV 9) is the first naval vessel to be named for Bismarck, North Dakota.

“It is a great honor to have this new Navy vessel named for North Dakota’s capital city. This name pays tribute to all North Dakotans and serves as an especially fitting recognition of all of our state’s veterans who have so honorably served our nation. We are grateful to these military men and women for their service, and we are thankful also for the Navy’s decision to recognize these fine individuals in one of the most tangible ways possible: by naming the newest member of the world’s largest and most powerful fleet after our wonderful capital city.”

The Navy’s Joint High Speed Vessel is a high speed transport ship that serves in a variety of different capacities, including transporting troops and military equipment. In addition to the USNS Bismarck, the Navy has announced plans to name two additional new high-speed vessels USNS Burlington and USNS Yuma. JHSVs are named for smaller American cities and counties.