BOSTON (AP) — The USS Massachusetts officially joined the Navy fleet on Saturday after a commissioning ceremony, marking it as the first submarine named after the Bay State.
The newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, which can dive to depths greater than 800 feet (240 meters), was christened on May 6, 2023, by ship's sponsor Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta. This is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding and the fifth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the Massachusetts name.
Submarine commanding officer Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran, expressed his pride in overseeing a vessel constructed and integrated with modern techniques and diversity. “I don’t think we’ve had a submarine in Boston Harbor since the late ’80s or early ’90s,” Siedsma remarked.
The exact mission of the USS Massachusetts remains undisclosed, but its capabilities include carrying 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles and weighing approximately 8,000 tons. The commanding officer noted the current geopolitical climate, asserting, “What is important to remember is what we're doing is proving the power of the United States Navy.”
With a crew of 147, the USS Massachusetts embraces gender integration, featuring 39 women, a remarkable leap since the ban on women serving on submarines was lifted 16 years ago. Sandberg emphasized the significance of women in this crew, stating, “Twenty-five percent of this crew is female... They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything.”
This vessel carries the legacy of Massachusetts, previously associated with naval history since 1845. The first USS Massachusetts was a steamer, followed by a fast battleship commissioned in 1942, primarily serving in the Pacific during World War II. During the commissioning, Sandberg also reflected on Massachusetts' crucial role in the founding of the U.S. and current struggles for freedom.
As reporters toured the submarine, they witnessed a blend of military tradition and modernity, including unique features like a dining hall with wood donated by the show “This Old House.” This connection to Massachusetts culture, according to Siedsma, enhances the significance of the new vessel.
