Mandan grad gets key assignment

BISMARCK (AP) — A Mandan High School graduate will be the highest ranking enlisted officer of a new Navy submarine set to launch in 2014.

The Bismarck Tribune reported that Master Chief Tim Preabt has been assigned to chief of the boat for the USS North Dakota. The Virginia-class submarine is currently being built in Connecticut.

Preabt, who has been in the Navy 22 years, is currently assigned to the USS Key West in Honolulu.

As the chief of boat, Preabt will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the boat and the crew.

The submarine will be the second naval vessel named after the state. The first was the Delaware-class battleship USS North Dakota, which was in service from 1910 to 1923.

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