The US Navy has taken delivery of the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), the 25th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, from HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division.
The nuclear-powered submarine is the twelfth Virginia-class boat built at the yard and the fifth vessel to bear the name of the Bay State. It also represents the seventh submarine from the Block IV series, developed to boost deployment availability and minimize maintenance requirements.
Construction began in 2020, with the keel laid in a virtual ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. The submarine was christened in May 2023 by sponsor Sheryl Sandberg and launched into the James River in February 2024.
Initial trials in October evaluated its propulsion, navigation, combat systems, and high-speed maneuvering above and below the surface. Further testing with its crew is scheduled before commissioning next year.
More than 10,000 personnel from Newport News and General Dynamics Electric Boat, together with suppliers across the country, contributed to the build. The submarine is part of a 2014 contract to replace aging Los Angeles-class boats that entered service in the 1970s.
Designed for deep ocean and littoral missions, the Virginia-class supports multi-domain undersea warfare. Each submarine measures between 115 and 140 meters (377–460 ft) long with a 10-meter (34 ft) beam, and is powered by a nuclear reactor generating 280,000 horsepower with pump-jet propulsion for speeds over 25 knots (46 km/29 mph).
Armament includes torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
