Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) announced on 7 October that Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) has successfully completed its initial sea trials. The testing included submerging the submarine for the first time and conducting high-speed manoeuvres both on the surface and underwater. Further testing will continue before delivery to the US Navy.
“Our team at Newport News Shipbuilding understands the importance of delivering capability to our fleet,” said NNS President Kari Wilkinson. “Proving capabilities through this first sea trial for Massachusetts is an important step in demonstrating this mission.”
The Virginia-class is the US Navy’s latest class of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines, designed to replace the older Los Angeles-class. These submarines provide advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and warfighting capabilities while remaining discreet and adaptable across a wide range of missions.
Construction of Virginia-class submarines is a joint effort between Electric Boat and HII-NNS, with 22 vessels delivered since 2004. The current blocks under construction are Block IV and Block V, with Block V introducing the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which adds four large-diameter payload tubes amidships to carry additional weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and other payloads.
