Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has delivered the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of the submarine fleet. The delivery of Massachusetts, the 12th Virginia-class submarine from HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and the 25th built under the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat, underscores the critical role of collaboration and innovation in advancing maritime capabilities.
The construction of Massachusetts involved over 10,000 shipbuilders from NNS and Electric Boat, alongside thousands of suppliers across the country. Notably, more than 20 suppliers in Massachusetts contributed to the project, highlighting the widespread impact of submarine construction on the national industrial base. This extensive collaboration ensures that the submarine not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards set by the U.S. Navy, embodying the latest advancements in submarine technology and design.
The submarine was christened in May 2023 at NNS by ship’s sponsor Sheryl Sandberg, founder of Lean In and former chief operating officer of Meta (formerly Facebook). “It is an honor to sponsor this incredible vessel and to be part of its journey,” Sandberg said during the christening ceremony. “The Massachusetts represents the best of American ingenuity and collaboration, and I am proud to support the men and women who will operate this powerful ship.”
The Virginia-class submarines are known for their advanced capabilities, including enhanced stealth, advanced sensors, and special mission capabilities. These attributes make them indispensable assets in the Navy’s arsenal, capable of conducting a wide range of missions from deterrence and intelligence gathering to special operations support. The delivery of Massachusetts further strengthens the Navy’s fleet, providing enhanced operational flexibility and strategic reach.
“This delivery is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our shipbuilders and our partners at General Dynamics Electric Boat,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “The Massachusetts embodies the pinnacle of submarine technology and represents the collective effort of thousands of skilled professionals who have worked tirelessly to ensure its success.”
The addition of Massachusetts to the Navy’s fleet is poised to have a profound impact on future maritime operations. As the Navy continues to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitical challenges, the advanced capabilities of the Virginia-class submarines will be crucial in maintaining undersea dominance. The collaboration between HII, Electric Boat, and their extensive network of suppliers not only ensures the delivery of cutting-edge submarines but also fosters a robust industrial ecosystem capable of sustaining future naval advancements.
As the maritime industry looks to the future, the delivery of Massachusetts serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in defense technologies. The lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly shape the development of next-generation submarines, ensuring that the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of maritime superiority.