Crest Finalists for USS North Dakota - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

The USS North Dakota Committee, in support of the USS North Dakota (SSN-784), submitted five crest designs to the U.S. Navy.

"Nearly 100 designs were submitted by professional and novice designers for consideration by the crew," says Judge Bob Wefald (Ret.) the committee's chairman. "The artistic ability was outstanding and equally impressive were the suggestions of imagery that represents the characteristics of North Dakota."

A selection committee comprised of Governor Jack Dalrymple, Ship Sponsor Katie Fowler, Adm. Bill Owens (Ret.), Committee Chairman Wefald, and Co-Chair Bill Butcher narrowed the pool of designs down to five.

"This project was a great opportunity to showcase North Dakota's rich heritage and the outstanding talent that exists among our people, young and old, professionals and amateurs alike," said Governor Dalrymple. "I was impressed by the creativity and originality of the design ideas and am confident that no matter what crest the U.S. Navy selects, it will proudly represent our great state."

The top five designs are the pictures included in this story, and were submitted by the following people: Scott Raffath of Fargo; Robert Matejcek of Clayton, Mo.; Rebekah Wicklund of Fargo; Burdette B. Calkins of Bismarck; and Gary Erickson and Wade Erickson of Mayville/Fargo.

Click the link on the bottom of this story below the pictures "USS North Dakota" to view the finalists' designs and to see many of the other entries to the USS North Dakota Crest contest.