In the United States, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has delivered the Virginia class fast-attack submarine, USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), to the US Navy.
The Massachusetts, known as the Block IV production, is the 12th Virginia-class submarine delivered by NNS, and is concurrently the 25th vessel built under the cooperative agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. This vessel is the fifth US Navy unit to bear the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Characteristics of SSN Virginia Class
The Virginia class submarines are built to fight in shallow and deep waters and conduct anti-submarine operations. These SSNs are armed with Mk 48 torpedoes, UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Veering towards specialized operations, the Virginia class submarines offer support to special forces operations, as well as conduct intelligence and surveillance missions, asymmetric warfare, and mine-laying missions. The Massachusetts submarine was delivered after successfully completing rigorous sea trials.
The Construction Program
HII expresses firm determination to accelerate the pace of submarine development. The construction of the Massachusetts saw the participation of over 10,000 shipbuilders from NNS and Electric Boat, along with thousands of suppliers across the country, including over 20 in Massachusetts that support the construction of Virginia class submarines at NNS.
The nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine Massachusetts had been christened in May 2023 at the NNS.
Source and photo credit @Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)
