USS Massachusetts, First Submarine Named After Bay State, Joins Navy Fleet

The newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine was christened in 2023 and commissioned on Saturday in Boston Harbor.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:18pm

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The USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the state, officially joined the U.S. Navy fleet on Saturday after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor. The $2.8 billion, 8,000-ton submarine can dive to depths greater than 800 feet and carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The crew of 147 includes 39 women, 16 years after a ban on women serving on submarines was lifted.

Why it matters

The USS Massachusetts is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named after the state, underscoring Massachusetts' historical significance and ongoing contributions to the nation's defense. The submarine's commissioning also highlights the Navy's progress in integrating women into submarine crews.

The details

The USS Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. The sub was christened in May 2023 by its sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta. The commanding officer, Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran, said this is the first time a submarine has been in Boston Harbor since the late 1980s or early 1990s.

  • The USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6, 2023.
  • The submarine officially joined the Navy fleet on March 28, 2026 after a commissioning ceremony.

The players

USS Massachusetts

The first submarine named after the state of Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine that can dive to depths greater than 800 feet and carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Sheryl Sandberg

The ship's sponsor who christened the USS Massachusetts in May 2023. Sandberg is the 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 Sponsor, USS Massachusetts

What’s next

The USS Massachusetts will now begin its operational duties as part of the U.S. Navy fleet.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the state, underscores Massachusetts' enduring legacy of military service and the Navy's progress in integrating women into submarine crews, inspiring a new generation of sailors.