Navy advances attack submarine to readiness, skipping final sea trial

The submarine USS Massachusetts is ready for deployment without a final post-shakedown cruise, the Navy said Monday.

“USS Massachusetts is ready to fight, and that is exactly where we need her, in the hands of our sailors and available to the fleet,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said in a statement.

The Virginia-class fast attack submarine showed “superb material condition and combat readiness,” the Navy said in waiving the usual last sea trial.

Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, the director of submarine programs, said the move meant work on other Virginia-class submarines can be accelerated.

“Waiving a submarine’s post-shakedown availability is an example of driving efficiency, innovation and speed in shipbuilding,” Gaucher said. “While it is a calculated risk, we do it without ever compromising the safety of our sailors or the quality of our submarines. By getting this boat into the fight we can continue to maintain an absolute advantage in the undersea domain.”

HII Newport News Shipbuilding delivered USS Massachusetts to the Navy on Nov. 21, 2025. During trials and testing, the sub “met and exceeded rigorous construction and safety standards required to enter service,” the Navy said.

The submarine was commissioned on March 28, 2026, in Boston Harbor.

USS Massachusetts is the seventh of 10 Block IV Virginia-class submarines, built under a teaming agreement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding.

“Massachusetts brings unmatched stealth and lethality to the undersea battle force,” said Vice Adm. Rick Seif, the commander of submarine forces. “This decision will immediately add combat readiness and capacity to ensure our nation’s ability to dominate and maintain undersea superiority.”

The Virginia-class submarines are part of a phased takeover of the main attack submarine role from Cold War-era Los Angeles-class submarines that were commissioned between 1976 and 1996.

“Virginia-class fast attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements,” the Navy said.