Construction is under way on a nuclear submarine that will be named for the state of North Dakota.

And funds are already being raised to help pay the way for veterans to see the vessel.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, who led the effort for the Navy to name a sub after the state, says the USS North Dakota will have cutting-edge technology.

The North Dakota is being built by General Dynamics Corp. in shipyards at Groton, Conn., and Newport News, Va. It's to go into commission in 2012.

Duane Sand, commander of the Submarine Veterans of North Dakota, says the group is selling USS North Dakota baseball caps to raise money to help send veterans to see the commissioning of the submarine.

Associated Press