USS Massachusetts Joins Navy Fleet as First Sub Named After Bay State

The nuclear-powered submarine has enhanced stealth capabilities and can carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18pm

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The USS Massachusetts, the Navy's newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, has officially joined the fleet after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor. The sub is the first to be named after the Bay State and features a gender-integrated crew of 147, including 39 women.

Why it matters

The USS Massachusetts represents a historic milestone as the first submarine named after the state, underscoring Massachusetts' long naval tradition. The sub's advanced capabilities and gender-integrated crew also highlight the evolving role of women in the U.S. military.

The details

The $2.8 billion, 8,000-ton submarine can dive to depths greater than 800 feet and carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It was christened in 2023 by sponsor Sheryl Sandberg, the 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 USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6, 2023.
  • The submarine officially joined the Navy fleet on March 28, 2026 after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor.

The players

USS Massachusetts

The Navy's newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the first to be named after the Bay State.

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

“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 embark on its first deployment, though the specific destination was not disclosed by the commanding officer.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts marks a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy and the state of Massachusetts, showcasing the state's long naval history and the evolving role of women in the military. The submarine's advanced capabilities and gender-integrated crew represent the Navy's commitment to innovation and inclusivity.