A new attack submarine has been delivered to the U.S. Navy. The future USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) is now set to undergo a series of tests and trials before the boat’s official commissioning ceremony.
The new vessel is expected to bring significant warfighting capability to the fleet.
Previously, Virginia-class fast-attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.
Submarine boosts naval power
“With each Virginia-class submarine delivery, the Navy strengthens its partnership with the shipbuilding industry to maintain our undersea dominance,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager.
“I’m proud of the work thousands of shipbuilders and Navy personnel have put into reaching this important construction milestone. Together, we continue build the best submarines in the world.”
The HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding delivered the submarine to the U.S. Navy. The delivery represents the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy.
25th Virginia-class submarine
Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and NNS through a long-standing teaming arrangement. It is the seventh of 10 Block IV configured attack submarines and the 12th Virginia-class submarine delivered by NNS, according to a press release.
The SSN 798 was christened at the NNS shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, on May 6, 2023, by the ship’s sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg. The future USS Massachusetts is the fifth Navy vessel named for the Bay State.
The Navy also revealed that the first USS Massachusetts was a steamer built in 1845 and acquired by the U.S. War Department in 1847 to use as a transport vessel during the Mexican-American War.
The last USS Massachusetts, BB 59, commissioned in 1942 as a South Dakota-class fast battleship. It spent most of its short life in the Pacific and received 11 battle stars for exceptional service in World War II before being decommissioned in 1947, according to U.S. Navy.
Attack submarines are designed to seek, destroy vessels
The U.S. Navy has previously underlined that attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF), carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.
The Virginia class submarines have several innovations that significantly enhance its warfighting capabilities, including in littoral — or coastal — operations.
The U.S. Navy has also highlighted that the Virginia class vessels have special features to support SOF, including a reconfigurable torpedo room which can accommodate a large number of SOF personnel and all their equipment for prolonged deployments, as well as future off-board payloads. The class also has a large lockout trunk for divers.
In Virginia-class SSNs, traditional periscopes have been supplanted by two photonics masts that host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms. With the removal of the barrel periscopes, the ship’s control room has been moved down one deck and away from the hull’s curvature, affording it more room and an improved layout that provides the commanding officer with enhanced situational awareness, as per the U.S. Navy.
