First Submarine Named After Massachusetts Joins Navy Fleet

The USS Massachusetts is the first submarine named after the Bay State and the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:57pm

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The USS Massachusetts, a new Virginia-class fast attack submarine, has officially joined the U.S. Navy fleet after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor. The $2.8 billion submarine is the first to be named after the state of Massachusetts and can dive to depths greater than 800 feet while carrying 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Why it matters

The USS Massachusetts is a significant addition to the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet, showcasing the state's long history of naval contributions. The submarine's advanced capabilities and gender-integrated crew represent the evolving role of women in the military and the Navy's commitment to technological innovation.

The details

The USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6, 2023, by the ship's sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta. The 147-person crew includes 39 women, making up 25% of the crew. The submarine features a ward room with a mug rack made from wood donated by the TV show 'This Old House' to represent the state's connection to the vessel.

  • The USS Massachusetts was commissioned on March 28, 2026.
  • The submarine was christened on May 6, 2023.

The players

USS Massachusetts

The first submarine named after the state of Massachusetts and the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.

Sheryl Sandberg

The ship's sponsor and former COO of Meta.

Mike Siedsma

The commanding officer of the USS Massachusetts, a 21-year Navy veteran who has served on four different classes of submarines.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mike Siedsma, Commanding Officer, USS Massachusetts

“The geopolitical situation is very interesting. What is important to remember is what we are doing is proving the power of the United States Navy.”

— Mike Siedsma, Commanding Officer, USS Massachusetts

“Those sailors just don't inspire me. They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything.”

— Sheryl Sandberg, Ship's Sponsor, USS Massachusetts

What’s next

The USS Massachusetts will soon depart Boston Harbor for its first deployment, though the specific destination has not been disclosed.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the state, highlights Massachusetts' long history of naval contributions and the Navy's commitment to technological innovation and gender integration within its submarine force.