Navy Commissions New USS Massachusetts Submarine

The Navy's latest nuclear-powered attack submarine joins the fleet in a ceremony in Boston.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:50pm

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The U.S. Navy officially commissioned the new nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) during a ceremony held on March 28th in Boston, Massachusetts. The 7,800-ton Virginia-class submarine is the 28th of its class and will be homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts marks the latest addition to the U.S. Navy's fleet of advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines, which play a critical role in undersea warfare, intelligence gathering, and power projection around the world. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the Navy's submarine force remains a key strategic asset.

The details

The USS Massachusetts was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. The 377-foot-long submarine is equipped with the latest in stealth, intelligence gathering, and weapons systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and advanced torpedoes. The crew of approximately 130 officers and enlisted personnel will operate the vessel, which has the capability to stay submerged for extended periods.

  • The USS Massachusetts was commissioned on March 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Construction on the submarine began in 2019.

The players

USS Massachusetts (SSN 798)

The U.S. Navy's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine, the 28th vessel in the Virginia-class.

U.S. Navy

The sea-based branch of the U.S. Armed Forces responsible for the commissioning of the USS Massachusetts.

General Dynamics Electric Boat

The defense contractor that built the USS Massachusetts submarine in Groton, Connecticut.

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What they’re saying

“The USS Massachusetts will be a formidable asset for the U.S. Navy, providing unparalleled capabilities in undersea warfare and intelligence gathering.”

— Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations

“We are proud to welcome the USS Massachusetts to the fleet and look forward to the important missions it will carry out in defense of our nation.”

— Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

What’s next

The USS Massachusetts will undergo a period of sea trials and testing before officially joining the Navy's operational submarine force later this year.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts underscores the Navy's ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced submarine fleet capable of meeting the strategic challenges of the 21st century.