Navy Commissions Submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) > United States Navy > News Show

The ceremony culminated a years-long course of to deliver Massachusetts into service. It is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named after the commonwealth of Massachusetts, following the latest, USS Massachusetts (BB 59), a South Dakota-class quick battleship that participated in practically each main Pacific marketing campaign from 1943 to 1945 and earned 11 battle stars for its World War II service.

Cmdr. Michael Siedsma, Massachusetts’ commanding officer, spoke proudly of his crew’s efforts. “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.”

Sheryl Sandberg, the ship’s sponsor and co-founder of Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners, gave the normal order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” The crew responded, “Aye aye, ma’am,” earlier than ceremonially operating aboard the submarine.

Sandberg additionally mirrored on the Navy’s enduring legacy, asking, “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 tell us? It tells us: We don’t have a Navy because we have a country; we have a country because we had a Navy!”

Following the hoisting of the colours and commissioning pennant, Adm. William Houston, director of Naval Reactors, highlighted the crew’s arduous work and the unit’s position in nationwide protection, saying, “Massachusetts is playing an incredible role in our security,” Houston mentioned. “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.”

Other audio system on the ceremony included David Denton, normal counsel of the Navy, who delivered the principal deal with; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey; U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton; and Kari Wilkinson, president of Newport News Shipbuilding.

Massachusetts (SSN 798) is the seventh Block IV Virginia-class submarine, constructed beneath a teaming settlement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. The submarine was christened on the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Newport News, Va., May 6, 2023, and is the twelfth Virginia-class submarine delivered by the shipyard.

As it joins the fleet, Massachusetts (SSN 798) brings vital warfighting functionality, underscoring the nation’s asymmetrical benefit at sea. Virginia-class quick assault submarines have enhanced stealth, subtle surveillance capabilities and particular warfare enhancements that allow them to satisfy the Navy’s multi-mission necessities.

Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800 tons and 377 toes in size and has a beam of 34 toes. It is designed with a reactor plant that won’t require refueling throughout the deliberate lifetime of the ship, decreasing lifecycle prices whereas growing underway time.

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts underscores the Navy’s dedication to constructing America’s Golden Fleet. For 250 years, American naval energy has projected energy globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We function ahead 24/7, one year a 12 months. This operational tempo calls for steady functionality supply, and the Golden Fleet is our reply.