In brief
Boston celebrated a significant milestone as the USS Massachusetts was commissioned, becoming the first submarine to bear the state's name. With features like a diving capability exceeding 800 feet and a crew of 147, including 39 women, the Virginia-class submarine signifies not only military strength but also a push for gender integration in the Navy. This commissioning highlights Massachusetts' historical contributions to U.S. freedom, with the modern Navy poised to defend and maintain those values amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
BOSTON (AP) — The USS Massachusetts officially joined the Navy fleet on Saturday after a commissioning ceremony, making it 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 the ship’s sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the 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 named after Massachusetts.
“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 it into Boston Harbor for the first time, it’s very amazing,” said the sub’s commanding officer, Mike Siedsma, a 21-year Navy veteran who has spent time on four different classes of submarines. “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.”
Siedsma did not disclose their destination but noted the relevance of the current geopolitical situation, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating the power of the United States Navy.
The crew consists of 147 personnel, with 39 women on board, representing a significant achievement in gender integration within the Navy. Sandberg remarked, “Twenty five percent of this crew is female. They inspire every little girl out there to believe that she could do anything.”
The Navy heralds this commissioning as the fifth vessel named after Massachusetts, with a rich history dating back to the first USS Massachusetts, launched in 1845.
The commissioning ceremony also recognized Massachusetts's ongoing fight for the freedoms originally sought by the first colonists as integral to U.S. history.
As reporters toured the submarine, they observed features inspired by Massachusetts, including a dining hall with a mug rack made from wood collected across the state, donated by “This Old House”, symbolizing the deep ties between the submarine and its home.
