The USS Massachusetts Joins the Navy Fleet as Its First Submarine Named After the Bay State
The USS Massachusetts, a new Virginia-class fast attack submarine, has officially become part of the U.S. Navy fleet following a commissioning ceremony in Boston. This historic event marks it as the first submarine to bear the name of the Bay State.
Christened on May 6, 2023, by Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, the USS Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine, co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. The vessel represents the fifth U.S. Navy ship named after Massachusetts, capable of diving deeper than 800 feet (240 meters).
Commanding Officer Mike Siedsma, a seasoned Navy veteran with experience across four different submarine classes, expressed his amazement at the ship’s journey from construction to its arrival in Boston Harbor. “To be able to take a ship from new construction and watch it be built together by the ship yard, train with our team and bring into Boston Harbor for the first time, it’s very amazing,” said Siedsma, noting the rarity of such a visit since the late ’80s or early ’90s.
With a construction cost exceeding $2.8 billion, the submarine weighs approximately 8,000 tons and is armed with 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Although Siedsma did not disclose its next destination, the geopolitical climate remains tense, especially after a U.S. submarine recently sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s coast amid ongoing conflicts.
“The geopolitical situation is very interesting,” Siedsma stated. “What is important to remember is what we are doing is proving the power of the United States Navy.”
The USS Massachusetts features a gender-integrated crew of 147, including 39 women. This follows the 2010 lifting of the ban on women serving on submarines. Sheryl Sandberg highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “The ship is intentionally designed to be served on by both women and men. That is pretty exciting. Twenty five percent of this crew is female,” adding that these sailors inspire young girls to believe in their boundless potential.
Historically, this is the fifth vessel to bear the name of Massachusetts. The first was a steamer constructed in 1845, while the last was the South Dakota-class fast battleship, USS Massachusetts BB 59, commissioned in 1942 primarily for World War II Pacific operations.
Sandberg also emphasized the state’s historical role in America’s founding and the continued fight for freedoms reminiscent of the colonists’ struggles. During a tour of the submarine, reporters visited various areas, including the control room, torpedo room, and dining facilities. The officers’ ward room features a mug rack crafted from Massachusetts county wood, generously provided by the television show “This Old House.”
“It was an incredible donation. Very great connection to the state and the commonwealth,” said Siedsma, commenting on the gift’s significance. “It’s beautiful.”
