The United States Navy has officially brought the nuclear submarine SSN-798 Massachusetts into service, marking the 25th Virginia-class vessel to join the fleet.
The announcement was made by the U.S. Navy’s official X page, confirming that the delivery ceremony took place on November 21 at Newport News Shipbuilding, part of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).
According to the statement, the new submarine is equipped with advanced stealth and surveillance systems, as well as enhanced capabilities to support special operations forces. The Navy emphasized that the Massachusetts will strengthen the U.S. asymmetric power at sea and ensure the country’s naval superiority for years to come.
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The Massachusetts was ordered in April 2014 as part of a US$17.6 billion contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the construction of ten Virginia-class submarines. Actual construction, however, began only in December 2020, with its launch taking place on February 24, 2024.
This marks the most recent milestone within the U.S. naval program. In April 2025, the Navy held the official flag-raising ceremony for the USS Iowa, the 24th submarine of the same class.
Currently, the U.S. plans to operate a total of 66 Virginia-class submarines. Of these, 43 have already been ordered, 10 are under construction, and 24 are active in service.
Specifications of SSN-798 Massachusetts
- Submerged displacement: approximately 7,800 tons
- Powerplant: S9G nuclear reactor
- Submerged speed: over 25 knots
- Crew: approximately 132 personnel
- Armament:
- 4 × 533 mm torpedo tubes
- Mk 48 Mod 7 torpedoes
- Harpoon anti-ship missiles
- Tomahawk cruise missiles (up to 12 in vertical launchers)
- Capability to operate unmanned systems
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
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) November 21, 2025
Source and images: HII | @USNavy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
