Boston has been chosen as the commissioning site for the Navy's newest submarine, the USS Massachusetts, set for an event in 2025. The decision was confirmed in a written statement by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, who stated, "I am pleased to announce that we will move forward with Boston as the commissioning site," as mentioned by the NBC Boston.
The Virginia-class submarine, known as USS Massachusetts, has been designed to accommodate women sailors and promote the leadership of its service members. Senator Elizabeth Warren took pride in this decision, saying, “Our Commonwealth has the honor of being the namesake for a Virginia-class submarine, and now, we can proudly say the USS Massachusetts will be commissioned here in Boston,” as reported by the Boston Globe.
According to the Boston Herald, Warren, along with ten other Massachusetts lawmakers, had, in June, appealed the Navy to commission the submarine in Boston. Del Toro acknowledged Massachusetts' significant contributions to naval history, making this request particularly apropos—seven previous vessels have shared the Massachusetts moniker.
Built at Newport News Shipbuilding in Norfolk, Virginia, the USS Massachusetts represents the Navy's new breed of nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarines, heralded for their stealth, reconnaissance capabilities, and advanced weaponry. The commissioning ceremony, a prestigious event attended by authorities, special guests, and public spectators, will mark the submarine's official introduction into the Navy's fleet. The USS Massachusetts is inheriting a rich legacy from predecessor ships bearing its name, including the World War II battleship better known as "Big Mamie," now transformed into a public museum in Fall River, Massachusetts.
City Council President and retired Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Ed Flynn, voiced his enthusiasm over this: “The City of Boston is honored to be selected as the commissioning site for the USS Massachusetts. This continues Boston's long history of being the finest hosting site for commissioning Navy ships with our resources for support and security," according to the Boston Herald.
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