The U.S. Navy has officially accepted delivery of the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), marking the 25th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine produced by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding. This delivery emphasizes the ongoing strategic efforts to enhance the nation’s undersea warfare capabilities.
As the 12th Virginia-class vessel delivered from this shipyard, the USS Massachusetts holds historical significance as the fifth naval ship to bear the name of the Bay State. Notably, it also represents the seventh vessel in the Block IV configuration of the Virginia-class, which is engineered for increased operational availability and reduced maintenance requirements, critical elements for modern naval engagements.
Construction on the Massachusetts commenced in 2020, with the keel being laid during a virtual ceremony—a response necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The submarine was officially christened in May 2023, with Sheryl Sandberg as the ship’s sponsor, before being launched into the James River in February 2024.
In October, the submarine conducted initial sea trials aimed at testing vital systems including navigation, propulsion, and combat capabilities, both at high speeds and submerged. Subsequent trials with its crew are slated to continue ahead of the commissioning process scheduled for next year.
The impressive endeavor involved contributions from over 10,000 shipbuilders at Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat, along with a vast network of suppliers from across the nation. Capt. Mike Hollenbach, program manager for Virginia-class submarines within the Navy, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that have culminated in this significant milestone. “With each Virginia-class submarine delivery, the Navy strengthens its partnership with the shipbuilding industry to maintain our undersea dominance,” he noted.
The USS Massachusetts’ delivery follows closely after the commissioning of the USS Iowa (SSN 797), the previous Virginia-class submarine delivered in April 2025.
The broader Virginia-class program was initiated in 2014 under a contract awarded to HII and General Dynamics, aimed at replacing the older Los Angeles-class submarines that have been operational since the 1970s. Designed for versatility, Virginia-class submarines can operate in both deep ocean and nearshore settings, ensuring that the U.S. Navy can maintain its crucial undersea combat capabilities across diverse maritime missions.
Each vessel in the Virginia-class series measures between 115 and 140 meters (377 to 460 feet) in length and boasts a beam of 10 meters (34 feet). The submarines are powered by nuclear reactors with an impressive output of 280,000 horsepower, utilizing steam turbines and pump-jet propulsion systems. This enables them to achieve speeds exceeding 25 knots (or 46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
Armed with a formidable arsenal that includes torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, the Virginia-class submarines significantly reinforce the U.S. Navy’s position in contemporary maritime security operations.
