The newest and most advanced attack submarine in the U.S. Navy, the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), was commissioned on Saturday in a ceremony held at the Naval Submarine Base Modern London in Groton, Connecticut. The commissioning marks the culmination of years of work and officially adds a critical asset to the nation’s undersea defense capabilities. This Virginia-class submarine, representing a significant investment in national security, is designed to operate in the world’s most challenging environments.
The USS Massachusetts is the fifth ship to bear the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a tradition stretching back to the early days of the U.S. Navy. The previous USS Massachusetts (BB 59), a South Dakota-class battleship, served with distinction during World War II, participating in nearly every major Pacific campaign from 1943 to 1945 and earning 11 battle stars for her service, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.
During the commissioning ceremony, Commander Michael Siedsma, the Massachusetts’ commanding officer, expressed his pride in the crew’s dedication. “To the crew, the plankowners, the Iron Patriots of the USS Massachusetts, we did it,” Siedsma declared. “Your hard work and unshakable dedication is evident. I am amazed and humbled by what we have accomplished.” Plankowners are the original crew members who bring a ship to life.
A Legacy of Naval Power and Modern Warfare
Sheryl Sandberg, the ship’s sponsor and co-founder of Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners, formally gave the order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” a time-honored naval tradition. The crew responded with a resounding “Aye aye, ma’am” before ceremonially rushing aboard the submarine. Sandberg also reflected on the historical significance of the Navy, noting that the service predates the nation’s independence. “In three months, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But as many of you here know, the Navy already celebrated this milestone last October. What does that notify us? It tells us: We don’t have a Navy since we have a country. we have a country because we had a Navy!”
Admiral William Houston, director of Naval Reactors, emphasized the importance of the Massachusetts’ role in national defense. “Massachusetts is playing an incredible role in our security,” Houston said. “Your crew represents the best that our Navy and our nation has. You train relentlessly to bring this warship to life and earned the trust placed on you.” The commissioning underscores the Navy’s ongoing effort to modernize its fleet and maintain a strategic advantage.
Built for Stealth and Multi-Mission Capabilities
The USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) is the seventh Block IV Virginia-class submarine, constructed through a collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. The submarine was initially christened at the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Newport News, Virginia, on May 6, 2023 and represents the 12th Virginia-class submarine delivered by the shipyard, according to the U.S. Naval Institute News.
Virginia-class submarines are known for their advanced technology, including enhanced stealth capabilities, sophisticated surveillance systems, and specialized enhancements for special warfare operations. These features allow them to effectively carry out a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering to anti-submarine warfare. Each submarine measures 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, with a beam of 34 feet. A key design element is the reactor plant, which is designed to operate for the ship’s entire service life without requiring refueling, significantly reducing lifecycle costs and maximizing operational availability.
The ‘Golden Fleet’ and Future Naval Operations
The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts is a key component of the Navy’s “Golden Fleet” initiative, a strategy focused on building and maintaining a modern, capable, and ready naval force. This initiative aims to ensure the Navy can continue to project power globally and respond to evolving threats. As stated during the ceremony, the Navy operates continuously, 24/7, 365 days a year, requiring a constant stream of new capabilities.
Other speakers at the commissioning ceremony included David Denton, general counsel of the Navy; Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey; U.S. Representative Seth Moulton; and Kari Wilkinson, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. Their presence highlighted the broad support for the project and the importance of the submarine to both national and regional security.
Virginia-Class Submarine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement (tons) | 7,800 |
| Length (feet) | 377 |
| Beam (feet) | 34 |
| Reactor Type | Single Reactor (no refueling required) |
| Crew Size (approx.) | 130 |
The USS Massachusetts is now poised to join the fleet and begin its operational service. The Navy has not yet announced the submarine’s initial deployment location or specific mission assignments. However, officials have indicated that it will be a valuable asset in maintaining security and stability in key regions around the world.
The next major milestone for the USS Massachusetts will be the completion of its initial operational testing and evaluation, a process that will ensure the submarine meets all performance requirements. The Navy expects to release further details about the submarine’s deployment schedule in the coming months.
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