The US Navy has taken delivery of the future USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), the 25th Virginia-class submarine, from HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division.
As informed, the delivery ceremony took place on November 21, 2025. Massachusetts is the 12th Virginia-class submarine delivered by NNS, and the 25th built as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. It is the fifth navy vessel named for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The U.S. Navy just welcomed a powerful new asset! ⚓ We're excited to announce the delivery of the future USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), the 25th Virginia-class submarine, from HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division on Nov. 21. With advanced stealth, surveillance, and special… pic.twitter.com/1zPWn1YT9K
The keel of Massachusetts was laid on December 11, 2020, in a virtual ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 6, 2023, the submarine was christened by Sheryl Sandberg at the Newport News shipyard. Following outfitting, on February 23, 2024, the boat was launched into the James River from a floating dry dock.
During initial sea trials in October 2025, the submarine underwent a variety of tests: it submerged for the first time, performed high-speed maneuvers both on the surface and underwater, and exercised its navigation, propulsion, combat, and auxiliary systems. These trials were carried out by a joint team from NNS and the U.S. Navy
The vessel, like other Virginia-class submarines, has a length of approximately 115 meters, a beam of 10 meters, and a surfaced draft of about 9.8 meters, with a submerged displacement of around 7,800 tons. The submarine has enhanced stealth and advanced surveillance capabilities.
The 24th Virginia‑class submarine, USS Iowa, was commissioned in April this year.
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