A ceremony that is usually classic but has become quite symbolic in the current geopolitical context. The United States unveiled a new Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in the port of Boston this Saturday: the USS Massachusetts.
This is the 25th Virginia-class submarine jointly built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, and the fifth ship of the US Navy to bear the name Massachusetts, the first for a submarine.
Destination Iran?
“The commissioning of the USS Massachusetts is a proud moment for Massachusetts and our country, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation,” exclaimed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.
Capable of diving to depths of over 240 meters, this fast-attack submarine cost over 2.8 billion dollars, which is approximately 2.5 billion euros. Weighing 8,000 tons, it can carry up to 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles, the cornerstone of US strikes in Iran.
The crew of 147 people will include 39 women, 16 years after the ban on women serving on submarines was lifted. “This ship was designed to accommodate both women and men. It’s fantastic,” praised Sheryl Sandberg, former Chief Operating Officer of Meta and the ship’s sponsor. These sailors not only inspire me, they inspire all little girls and give them hope that they can achieve anything.”
The destination of the USS Massachusetts is not yet known. It could quickly move to the Middle East or Asia where an American submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka earlier this month, as part of the conflict with Iran.
