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

The newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine was commissioned in Boston Harbor, marking a proud moment for the state and its maritime history.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, officially joined the U.S. Navy fleet on Saturday after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor. The $2.8 billion, 8,000-ton Virginia-class fast attack submarine can dive to depths greater than 800 feet and carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts highlights the state's deep ties to the nation's maritime and military history, as this is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named after the Bay State. The event also showcases Massachusetts' continued role in supporting the U.S. armed forces, with the submarine designed to be served by both women and men.

The details

The USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6, 2023, by the ship's sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta. It is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. The 147-person crew includes 39 women, 16 years after the ban on women serving on submarines was lifted. The submarine's commanding officer, Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran, said the commissioning was a 'very amazing' moment.

  • The USS Massachusetts was christened on May 6, 2023.
  • The submarine officially joined the Navy fleet on Saturday, March 29, 2026, after a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor.

The players

USS Massachusetts

The first submarine named after the Commonwealth 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 former COO of Meta, who served as the ship's sponsor and christened the USS Massachusetts on May 6, 2023.

Mike Siedsma

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

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, who spoke at the commissioning ceremony and said the event showcases the state's 'deep ties to our nation's maritime and military history.'

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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 commissioning of the USS Massachusetts is a proud moment for Massachusetts and our country, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation. This ship carries forward a long tradition of service and reflects the strength and dedication of the sailors who will serve aboard it.'”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts

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

— Sheryl Sandberg

What’s next

The USS Massachusetts is expected to deploy to its first operational assignment in the coming months, continuing the submarine's legacy of service and representing the strength of the U.S. Navy.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts, the first submarine named after the Commonwealth, is a significant milestone that honors Massachusetts' proud maritime history and underscores the state's ongoing contributions to the U.S. armed forces. The submarine's diverse crew, including a quarter women, also serves as an inspiration for future generations of sailors.