On 7 October 2025, Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division announced the successful completion of the initial sea trials for USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) — the U.S. Navy’s 25th Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine.
Over the course of several days at sea, joint teams from the shipyard and the Navy tested the submarine’s essential systems and components. Among the tasks performed were its first submergence and a variety of high-speed manoeuvres, both on the surface and underwater.
Kari Wilkinson, President of Newport News Shipbuilding, underscored the significance of this trial “Proving capabilities through this first sea trial for Massachusetts is an important step in demonstrating this, and we are honoured to support the mission.”
The submarine is slated for further rounds of testing and inspections at the shipyard before final delivery to the Navy.
A Milestone in the Virginia-Class Program
The Massachusetts (SSN-798) marks a noteworthy addition to the Virginia class, representing the 25th vessel in the series and the 12th delivered by Newport News.
Her keel was laid on December 11, 2020, as part of a broader contract to build ten Block IV Virginia-class submarines. She was christened on May 6, 2023.
The Virginia class (SSN-774 series) is a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capability. These submarines are designed for multi-mission flexibility, including anti-submarine warfare, strike operations, intelligence collection, special operations support, and mine warfare.
In particular, the Block IV configuration — used by Massachusetts — introduces enhancements aimed at increasing operational availability and reducing maintenance downtime across the submarine’s service life.
While Massachusetts carries the standard payload features of her class (torpedoes, cruise missiles, sensor suites), later Virginia-class models will incorporate the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) to expand missile capacity and adaptability.
Strategic Implications
The successful completion of initial trials for Massachusetts is more than a technical milestone—it is a signal that the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet remains on track to maintain its edge in stealth, strike, and intelligence capabilities.
Amid growing naval competition globally, especially with advances by Russia and China, additions like Massachusetts help reinforce the U.S.’s deterrence and operational reach under the sea.
Once delivered (expected in spring 2026), the USS Massachusetts will further strengthen the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power, conduct covert operations, and safeguard maritime interests in contested environments.
More on topics related to the use of submarines:
Kawasaki Launches Sixth Taigei-Class Submarine, JS Sōgei: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/kawasaki-launches-sixth-taigei-class-submarine-js-sogei/
Beijing’s PLAN Tests XXL Uncrewed Submarines in South China Sea: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/beijings-plan-tests-xxl-uncrewed-submarines-in-south-china-sea/
Hanwha Eyes Further U.S. Shipyard Acquisitions and Philly Expansion: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/hanwa-eyes-further-us-shipyard-acquisitions-and-philly-expansion/
Defending India’s vast maritime underwater domain: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/defending-indias-vast-maritime-underwater-domain/
UK Carrier Strike Group strengthens partnership with India: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/uk-carrier-strike-group-strengthens-partnership-with-india/
America Launches Space Aircraft Carriers: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/america-launches-space-aircraft-carriers/
China’s 2049 plan a big challenge before the world: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/chinas-2049-plan-a-big-challenge-before-the-world/
