Ship Named After Former Congressman

(AP)  A Great Lakes freighter has been rechristened the Hon. James L. Oberstar.

The carrier, used to shuttle taconite pellets from Minnesota to steel mills near Detroit and Chicago, has been renamed to honor the commitment Oberstar had to the Great Lakes during his 18 terms in congress.

The ship was sent on its way in the Duluth harbor after Obeerstar's wife smashed a champagne bottle across the bow.

The 76-year-old DFL-er says never imagined having his name on a vessel of this significance.