The USS Massachusetts, the first Navy submarine named after the state, officially became part of the fleet on Saturday during a ceremony held in Boston. This event marked a significant milestone for both the state and the Navy.
### First of Its Kind for Massachusetts
The USS Massachusetts is the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, capable of diving to depths exceeding 800 feet (240 meters). It was christened on May 6, 2023, by its sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer of Meta. As the 25th submarine in the Virginia-class series, it was jointly constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. This vessel is the fifth U.S. Navy ship to carry the Massachusetts name, with the previous submarines and battleships serving in various capacities throughout history.
Commanding Officer Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran, expressed pride in the vessel’s launch and its historical significance. “I looked at the history books. I don’t think we’ve had a submarine in Boston Harbor since sometime in the late ’80s or early ’90s,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the submarine’s commissioning and its ties to the state.
### Submarine Specifications and Capabilities
The USS Massachusetts, with a construction cost exceeding $2.8 billion, weighs approximately 8,000 tons and has the capability to carry up to 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. While the exact future operations of the submarine have not been disclosed, Siedsma emphasized the critical nature of the geopolitical landscape, noting recent military engagements involving U.S. submarines, including an incident where a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka.
“The geopolitical situation is very interesting,” Siedsma remarked. “What is important to remember is what we are doing is proving the power of the United States Navy.”
### A Gender-Integrated Crew
The crew of the USS Massachusetts consists of 147 members, including 39 women, marking a contemporary shift in Navy policy since the ban on women serving on submarines was lifted 16 years ago. This submarine continues the trend set by the USS New Jersey, commissioned in 2024, which was notably designed with modifications for a gender-integrated crew.
Sandberg highlighted the significance of this development, asserting that 25% of the crew are female sailors who serve as role models not just for young women but for everyone aspiring to pursue their ambitions. “Those sailors just don’t inspire me. They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything,” Sandberg said during the commissioning ceremony.
### Historical Context and State Connections
The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts is steeped in history, as the state has played an integral role in the founding of the United States. The first USS Massachusetts, a steamer, was built in 1845, and the most recent vessel of the same name was commissioned in 1942, serving as a South Dakota-class fast battleship during World War II primarily in the Pacific.
Sandberg reflected on the historical significance of Massachusetts in the context of American freedoms, emphasizing that the same ideals for which the original colonists fought remain relevant today. She connected the modern vessel to the enduring fight for liberty, recognizing the state’s foundational role in American history.
### A Unique Tour Experience
Attendees at the commissioning ceremony were invited to tour the submarine, providing a rare glimpse into the intricacies of a Virginia-class vessel. The tour included visits to the control room, torpedo room, and dining areas. A unique feature in the officers’ ward room is a mug rack constructed from wood sourced from various counties in Massachusetts, a generous donation connected to the popular television show “This Old House.”
Siedsma praised this donation as a meaningful homage to the state, calling it “beautiful” and highlighting the connection between the submarine and the Massachusetts community.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the USS Massachusetts not only enhances the Navy’s fleet but also symbolizes a new chapter in the representation of women in the military, grounding its historical significance in both state and national contexts. The event underscored Massachusetts’s enduring legacy in American history, promoting a vision of inclusivity and modern military capability.
Source: Original Reporting
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