Trending Now - Massachusetts' Inaugural Submarine Officially Joins Navy Fleet
WHO:
The USS Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, officially joined the Navy fleet.
Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta, served as the ship’s sponsor.
Mike Siedsma, the commanding officer of the USS Massachusetts, is a 21-year Navy veteran.
The crew includes 147 members, with 39 women.
WHAT:
The USS Massachusetts is the first submarine named after Massachusetts.
The submarine can dive to depths greater than 800 feet (240 meters).
The submarine cost over $2.8 billion and weighs about 8,000 tons.
The submarine can carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
This is the 25th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.
The commissioning ceremony took place on March 26th, 2026.
WHERE:
The commissioning ceremony occurred in Boston Harbor.
WHEN:
The USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6th, 2023.
The first USS Massachusetts was built in 1845, and the last was commissioned in 1942.
WHY:
The commissioning highlights the role Massachusetts played in the founding of the United States and ongoing struggles for freedom.
HOW:
The submarine was built through a collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.
The ship is designed to be served on by both women and men, reflecting gender integration in the Navy.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 15:05 UTC)
The USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the state, officially joined the Navy fleet during a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor on March 26, 2026, with Sheryl Sandberg serving as the ship’s sponsor. This Virginia-class fast attack submarine, which weighs about 8,000 tons and cost over $2.8 billion, can dive to depths greater than 800 feet and carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles, all while being crewed by 147 members, including 39 women. Commanded by 21-year Navy veteran Mike Siedsma, the USS Massachusetts represents the 25th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, emphasizing Massachusetts' historical significance in the founding of the United States and its ongoing fight for freedom.