Senator Cramer Receives USS Theodore Roosevelt Model, Will Transfer to T.R. Presidential Library Upon Completion

BISMARCK, N.D. - An at-scale model of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier was delivered to U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer's (R-ND) office in Washington, D.C. Representatives from Huntington Ingalls Industries delivered the glass-encased replica to Cramer's office, where it will remain until the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora in 2026. Cramer announced the gift from Huntington Ingalls Industries to the library during his remarks at the beam-signing ceremony in August.

"North Dakotans know President Theodore Roosevelt best as a Rough Rider and rancher in the Badlands, but he was so much more than our favorite cowboy," said Cramer. "Before he became our 26th president, he served as a colonel in the Army, New York City Police Commissioner, Governor of New York, Vice President, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The USS Theodore Roosevelt honors both his presidency and Navy leadership, and it's an honor to have this replica in my office until it christens the halls of his presidential library in Medora. I encourage North Dakotans visiting D.C. to come see this impressive display while it's here."

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Cramer for the incredible opportunity to display the official USS Theodore Roosevelt scale model at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library upon completion," said Robbie Lauf, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. "It honors both the ship and Theodore Roosevelt's legacy in building a strong, modern Navy as Assistant Secretary. This gift strengthens our mission to preserve TR's vision and leadership for future generations."

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and was commissioned in October 1986.

Roosevelt's time in what was then-Dakota Territory followed the loss of his mother, Mittie, and wife, Alice, both on Valentine's Day 1884. Roosevelt famously stated, "I have always said I would not have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota."

The site of the library is positioned to overlook the South Unit of Roosevelt's namesake national park, which was established as a memorial park in April 1947 and later designated as a national park in November 1978. Construction is underway, and the library is expected to open on July 4, 2026, to mark the United States' 250th anniversary.