U.S. Navy’s Newest Virginia-Class Submarine, Massachusetts Launched

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HII announced the launch of the Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) into the James River at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

It was transferred from a construction facility to the floating dry dock, where it was later submerged and moved using tugboats to a submarine pier at the shipyard for final outfitting, crew certification and testing.

Jason Ward, NNS Vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction, said that after the christening of this submarine in May, witnessing the vessel launch into the river was a source of immense pride for the shipbuilding team.

He added that the team understands the submarine’s importance for the U.S Navy and will strive to bring the national security asset to life.

Virginia-class subs are nuclear-powered. These fast attack submarines are constructed for a range of open-ocean and littoral missions to replace the Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire.

The Virginia class has new technologies and innovations that improve firepower, manoeuvrability and stealth, enhancing their warfighting abilities. They can support multiple mission areas and operate at speeds of over 25 knots.

Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class submarine and the 12th to be delivered by NNS, one of the only two shipyards that can design and build nuclear-powered submarines for the United States Navy.

References: Navalnews, HII

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