PCU North Dakota’s (SSN 784) commissioning will be postponed, the U.S. Navy announced on April 16.
This decision is based on the need for additional design and certification work required on the submarine’s redesigned bow and material issues with vendor-assembled and delivered components.
“As the Navy works with all vested parties to certify the quality and safety of the submarine and toward taking delivery of the boat, it will determine a new commissioning date.The Navy is committed to ensuring the safety of its crews and ships. High quality standards for submarine components are an important part of the overall effort to ensure safety,” the Navy said in a release.
The lessons learned from North Dakota are already being applied to all Block III submarines, the Navy added.
[mappress] Press Release, April 17, 2014; Image: NAVSEA