US Navy Commissions New Nuclear-Powered Submarine in Boston Harbor

The USS Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, joins the US Navy fleet.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:18pm

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The U.S. Navy has officially welcomed a new nuclear-powered attack submarine, the USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), into its fleet during a commissioning ceremony in Boston Harbor on March 28, 2026. The Virginia-class submarine is designed for stealth, intelligence gathering, and precision strike missions, and will operate with a diverse crew of about 147 sailors.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts reflects the U.S. Navy's continued investment in advanced submarine technology to maintain naval dominance beneath the ocean's surface. As global tensions rise, these versatile, multi-mission submarines play a critical role in supporting intelligence operations, deploying special forces, and conducting long-range strikes when necessary.

The details

The USS Massachusetts is the 25th vessel in the Virginia-class program, which is the backbone of the U.S. Navy's future submarine fleet. Built through a partnership between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII's Newport News Shipbuilding, the 377-foot-long submarine is powered by a nuclear reactor, allowing it to operate for extended periods underwater without refueling. It can reach speeds of up to 25 knots and dive to depths greater than 800 feet, and is equipped with Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and torpedoes.

  • Construction of the submarine began in December 2020.
  • The vessel completed sea trials in the Atlantic before being delivered to the Navy in November 2025.
  • The commissioning ceremony took place on March 28, 2026 in Boston Harbor.

The players

USS Massachusetts (SSN-798)

A Virginia-class fast-attack submarine that has joined the U.S. Navy fleet, designed for stealth, intelligence gathering, and precision strike missions.

Commander Joshua Hightower

The executive officer of the USS Massachusetts, who emphasized the vessel's role in maintaining U.S. naval dominance during the commissioning ceremony.

Commander Mike Siedsma

The commanding officer of the USS Massachusetts, who described the experience of bringing the new submarine into Boston Harbor as a significant moment for the crew.

Sheryl Sandberg

The submarine's sponsor and former Meta chief operating officer, who highlighted the symbolic importance of the diverse crew during the commissioning ceremony.

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, who noted that the commissioning reflects the state's deep historical links to American naval power.

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What they’re saying

“Today, USS Massachusetts is tested and battle-ready.”

— Commander Joshua Hightower, Executive Officer, USS Massachusetts

“To be able to take a ship from new construction and watch it be built together by the shipyard, train with our team, and bring it into Boston Harbor for the first time, it's very amazing.”

— Commander Mike Siedsma, Commanding Officer, USS Massachusetts

“The ship is intentionally designed to be served on by both women and men. Those sailors just don't inspire me. They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything.”

— Sheryl Sandberg, Submarine Sponsor, Former Meta COO

“The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts is a proud moment for Massachusetts and our country. 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

What’s next

The USS Massachusetts will now undergo further training and integration into the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet, preparing to deploy on missions around the world.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts underscores the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to maintaining a formidable submarine force capable of operating in complex, modern conflicts. This advanced, versatile Virginia-class vessel will play a critical role in supporting a range of naval operations, from intelligence gathering to precision strikes, as the U.S. seeks to preserve its undersea dominance.