The U.S. Navy’s seventh Block IV Virginia-class attack submarine, Massachusetts (SSN 798), was recently launched into the James River at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division.

The submarine was moved from a construction facility to a floating dry dock, where it was later submerged and towed by tugboats to a submarine pier at the shipyard for final outfitting, testing, and crew certification.

Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are constructed to replace the Navy’s retiring Los Angeles-class submarines and are designed for various open-ocean and littoral missions. They incorporate numerous new technologies to enhance firepower, maneuverability, and stealth, thereby significantly improving their combat capabilities. Capable of operating at speeds exceeding 25 knots, these submarines can support multiple mission areas.

The Massachusetts marks the 25th Virginia-class submarine and will be the 12th delivered by NNS, one of only two shipyards authorized to design and build nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.