- The USS Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, officially joined the US Navy fleet Saturday following its commissioning ceremony.
- It is the first submarine to be named after the Bay State and the fifth US Navy vessel overall to bear the name Massachusetts.
- Christened on May 6, 2023, the submarine cost over $2.8 billion, weighs about 8,000 tons and can carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is capable of diving to depths greater than 800 feet (240 metres).
- Sheryl Sandberg, former chief operating officer of Meta, served as the ship's sponsor, highlighting the vessel's design for a gender-integrated crew, with 39 women among the 147 crew members.
- Commanding Officer Mike Siedsma expressed pride in bringing the ship to Boston Harbor and emphasized the submarine's role in demonstrating the power of the United States Navy.
IN FULL
USS Massachusetts – submarine with ability to carry 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles – joins Navy fleet
