BOSTON (AP) — The USS Massachusetts officially joined the Navy fleet on Saturday during a commissioning ceremony, marking the first submarine named after the Bay State.
This newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, capable of diving to depths greater than 800 feet, was christened on May 6, 2023, by ship's sponsor Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta. The USS Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding and the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named after Massachusetts.
“To witness a ship from new construction being built by the shipyard and brought into Boston Harbor for the first time is amazing,” stated the submarine’s commanding officer, Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran.
While Siedsma did not disclose the submarine's destination, he referred to recent geopolitical events that underscore the importance of the United States Navy's strength. The sub has a price tag exceeding $2.8 billion, weighs approximately 8,000 tons, and is equipped to carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Siedsma noted that the crew consists of 147 personnel, including 39 women, highlighting the Navy's commitment to diversity after the historic ban on women serving on submarines was lifted. Sandberg, at the commissioning, emphasized that the submarine is designed to be operated by both men and women.
The USS Massachusetts continues a long history of naval service tied to the state; the first USS Massachusetts was a steamer built in 1845, with its most recent predecessor being a battleship commissioned in 1942. Sandberg remarked on the state's role in American history and ongoing struggles for freedom.
The imprisoning ambiance of the submarine, including features like a dining hall with local wood donated by “This Old House,” reflects a deep connection to Massachusetts and its heritage, as expressed by Siedsma.
