Massachusetts is the twelfth Virginia-class submarine built by Newport News under a $17.6 billion GDEB contract that funds ten nuclear-powered subs designed for enhanced endurance, mobility, stealth, and multi-mission capabilities.

Block V Virginia-class submarines will replace the cold-war SSGNs in the Pacific, enabling a more capable, stealthy, and training-rich submarine presence in the region, according toRear Adm. Mark Heinrich.

Block V enhancements position Massachusetts as a key asset in modern warfare, boosting submerged endurance, payload capacity, and the potential for AI-assisted improvements in sonar, mission planning, and health monitoring systems.

Massachusetts measures 377 feet long, displaces about 7,800 tons, and is powered by a nuclear reactor with a single-shaft propulsion system that improves efficiency and reduces acoustic signature, enabling speeds up to 25 knots underwater.

Since 2004, the Virginia class has gradually replaced the larger Los Angeles-class submarines, offering faster speeds, greater missile capacity, and reduced refueling needs, with additional Block V orders planned and fleet growth to 24 Virginia-class subs as of 2025.

Massachusetts features the Virginia payload module, adding four extra tubes to launch up to 40 Tomahawk missiles, and uses a modular hull design that allows modernization without major hull changes.

USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), built by Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat, completed its first seafaring tests, including submergence and high-speed maneuvers, signaling readiness for delivery to the U.S. Navy.