Massachusetts (SSN 798) Launch

Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) was recently launched into the James River at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Shipbuilders transferred the submarine from a construction facility to the floating dry dock, where it was later submerged and moved by tugboats to a submarine pier at the shipyard for final outfitting, testing and crew certification.
Massachusetts is the U.S. Navy’s 25th Virginia-class submarine and will be the 12th delivered by NNS.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

the crappers on the deck were a nice touch

[@Battleneter]

Stupid, they will have to surface each time someone wants to take a piss :P

[@artbyty]

Looks like the door isn't secured on the poop closet.

[@williamduffy1227]

😂😂😂

[@maestromecanico597]

No worries. They’ll float away on the first test dive.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

@hollowpoint45acp Given with how much China steals from us I am guessing their next SSN will have a permanent portable toilet on the deck

[@SunnnyDay]

I worked in 6 different decades in construction, you name, I built it. I can't imagine the sense of pride these ship builders feel, when this boat went into the water. Tip of the hat to you all, HECK OF A JOB !

[@justintime41776]

Man's ability to design and build these amazing technological marvels is astounding.

[@misterbig9025]

Imagine spending the money on cancer research instead!

[@wyskass861]

@@misterbig9025 You can do both. Without defense there might not have even been cancer research.

[@mickeysmiths]

Damn straight !

[@charlesdudek7713]

​@@wyskass861exactly!

[@mh53j]

​@@misterbig9025imagine all the technology and innovations that have applications to "civilian" life that have come from military projects. In the case of nuclear submarines, the safe operations of nuclear reactors in restricted spaces. (Well, US and western submarines; Soviet ones a bit dodgy!)

[@edmundgonzalez8731]

Love the porta-potty. Is that to confuse the enemy in to thinking this is just a party boat? 🤣

[@patmcbride9853]

It's for the special operators. They might need to "lighten the load" before paddling to the beach.

[@Doc62J]

That's how it got named the poop deck

[@Torrque]

Dude, you busted me out laughing! The only reason I opened the comments was to read something like this and have me a laugh!

[@zaurakdigis]

No those are the new Seal launch boats.

[@BinauralBae]

The new stealth shitter

[@MrJdubbya36]

Fair winds and following seas to all who sail on her.

[@johanea]

Subs don’t care about winds.

[@david9783]

not likely

[@MrJdubbya36]

@@johanea "Fair Winds and Following Seas" is really two quotes originating from different sources. The two quotes are a nautical phrase of good luck--a blessing as it were--as the person, group, or thing it is said to departs on a voyage in life. It is often used at a "beginning" ceremony such as a commissioning ceremony of a ship or people, as well as in retirement, change of command, or farewell ceremonies.

[@bjoernphotography]

All the crews of the Massachusetts have a safe journey at all times. Impressive work! Greetings from Germany

[@samplechannel2fiyd5idjfufjfud]

That is right; you have to obey the occupying force. Good man.

[@newqlar]

Much respect for the man and women who’ve dedicated their lives to the Silent Service. We appreciate and thank you ❤

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Aircraft carriers... cool. Fighter jets...cool. Subs...just plain scary. Amazing machines.

[@subvet694]

I was on the USS Boston SSN-703, Glad to see a new girl taking her place in the fleet from Massachusetts!

[@peterbrown6458]

Myself and my mate got to get a look in USS Boston in 83 when she was in Perth, Australia, these things were mind blowing to us Grunts.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

I was a Sturgeon Class boat sailor. Back when they named submarines after fish.

[@subvet694]

@@charlesbartholomew2910 Thanks for your Service, Shipmate!

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

@@subvet694 It was an honor and a privilege to serve our nation and her people. And thank you for yours shipmate.

[@connemaraphoto]

I was on the Boston pre-com crew...we slid down the ways in April '80...the crew was in dress blues on top of it...coolest thing was being on watch when the reactor core was dropped into it...we did all the testing and acceptance of the nuclear reactor and engine room....great learning experience...sadly did not get to go to sea on the Boston...finished my six year hitch just before sea trials...followed her over the years and saw she did very well...shout out to the Patrick Henry (SSBN 599 Blue crew)...my first boat...

[@kevinkeeler2764]

It's hard to believe I worked on the Los Angeles ssn 688 when it was built, seems like just yesterday.

[@Ezlivin]

When I came out of Sub School one of my classmates was sent to the brand-new LA and I was sent to the Skate. Ha ha! What a difference in technology. He gave me a tour of his boat and I was amazed at the midship torpedo room, the unbelievable computer bank for the sonar guys and the fantastic upper level ops. Now all of that seems old-fashioned compared to these beasts. Well as you and I know, you still have to get through quals to serve. You think they still punch on your new dolphins?

[@kevinkeeler2764]

@@Ezlivin I worked at Newport News Shipbuilding from 1974 to 1984. My group built the radio rooms for subs, aircraft carriers, and frigates. I figure I worked on about 10 or 12 subs. Great memories.

[@byronharano2391]

Congratulations United States Navy 🇺🇸. Bravo Zulu

[@rjmercer042]

I was a member of the PCU for USS Helena (SSN-725) that was built by EB in Groton CT. What many do not realize is that there is over a year's worth of work left on the boat and what you are seeing looks fairly complete on the outside, but is basically empty on the inside except for the major components (like the main engines, reactor, and so on) and basic structure. It was an interesting experience. Ships are hideously complex things.

[@orlestone]

Pretty much everything that needs to be in the boat will be in the boat when it's launched. The in-water phase is mostly about commissioning the systems and handing them over to the Navy ...

[@rjmercer042]

@@orlestone Ummmm. I was there. I know what was in and not in the boat when it was launched (and what worked and what didn't)--and unless things have changed a LOT, the ship isn't functional for a year or so. They literally had to cut holes in the hull to put things in that weren't in. They tore down and completely rebuilt sections of the engineroom. The forward spaces were a hot mess. It might have changed, but I kind of doubt it has changed that much.

[@appleintosh]

@@rjmercer042 That was 40 years ago and this is a completely different class of boat. It's like two generations more advanced too

[@mgoblue0970]

@@rjmercer042 > I was there. I know what was in and not in the boat when it was launched (and what worked and what didn't)--and unless > things have changed a LOT, the ship isn't functional for a year or so. There's something called OPSEC ya know. Keep your freaking mouth shut. Also, if you were really there, you'd know a counterintelligence technique is for someone to say something and see what the response is. Right or wrong, you don't need to be commenting on this. Just let other people think whatever they want.

[@TheGhostTrollekdejvu]

I saw a documentary that said nowadays they build them in giant, fitted-out sections to avoid having to fit everything through holes in the hull.

[@TRUEC4N4DI4N]

Congratulations to the men and women who helped build this beautiful piece of technology and firepower to help deter those who would threaten freedom and liberty and help protect democracy and freedom! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jacobburk1788]

Hell Yeahhhhh

[@jamesrea8454]

And serve on her. ❤

[@davidwolf226]

I'm always so impressed with the enormity of our modern subs. So damn cool.

[@LordHawHaw100]

The virginias are way smaller than the ohios and some smaller than the los angeles…..but more capable than the L.A.s

[@HubstepCamaro]

“Enormity” this thing is absolutely tiny, one of the smallest modern military subs built. Clueless boomers are the death of America.

[@archjen]

I’m proud to have been one of the architects involved in the design and construction of the Apprentice School and Dorm facilities, back several years ago. The project was built by many people and disciplines that took pride in their opportunity to be a part of this facility.

[@dailyqwikbytes]

If it's not classified, what is the circular structure under the sonodome?

[@heaven-is-real]

youre awesome

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@dailyqwikbytes That is (one of) the 'other' sono-structure(s). More along the sides too if you are looking carefully. Not these vids with the tarps, but earlier stills from the actual build.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

Were you a consultant on the making of "Down Periscope"? And did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express recently? Just kidding bro. I'm just in a mood today...

[@dailyqwikbytes]

@@cosmicraysshotsintothelight kk THANKS!

[@dougscott8161]

That's sure a lot more complicated than launching my old fishing boat for a weekend of fun.🤓

[@oldfrend]

honestly hard to believe the US has built 200 nuclear powered subs. most countries dream of having one.

[@mickeysmiths]

No way?! Really, 200 you say? Unreal ! I dream of having one, but only for my bathtub 😂

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

They've *decommissioned* more than most other countries launched, combined. Obviously excepting Russia/Soviet-Union, but China is only now catching up.

[@mickeysmiths]

@@michaelhoffmann2891 Yep, that is what is referred to as seapower. The US has it all !

[@asquare9316]

this was interesting to me so I looked it up. According to the US Naval Institute, between 1945 an 1991, we (US) built 169 nuke subs while the soviets built 235 nuke subs in the same time period. That means we have only built 31 since '91. that's less than one per year, but still, 200 is a big number. I remember seeing the Nautilus (the first US nuke sub, not Nemo's boat) moored at the entrance to the Connecticut River back in 1974 when sailing out to Newport from Mamaroneck. It was towed upriver to EB and is a museum now.

[@mickeysmiths]

@@asquare9316 I had a look at the wiki article & although it gave no totals it did say the US has never had an onboard nuclear incident but the Soviets have had quite a few 😐 The Nautilus was launched in 1954

[@mikeercole2800]

Certainly gives a new perspective on just how big these subs actually are...... incredible work by all parties to get this into the water. Incredible.

[@hendu7111]

That's awesome. I love watching ship building and launching so a sub is even cooler.

[@jeffreythomson2979]

Need 100 more

[@Awsom47Merc]

WOW ! Beautiful and Deadly ! Revives my faith in American Technology !!! 👊😎👍

[@markmay8942]

I would imagine there is an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment for the men and women who build these technological marvels. Great job!

[@cschexnayder2517]

I was on the 684 launch crew, miss the old gal😢

[@garysmith8593]

I served on The Glenny P 1976-80. SSN685

[@tigerhawk84]

I love how so many parts of it were blurred out at various stages of deployment lol

[@TheFlyingZulu]

Fun fact the propeller is covered up as well so that other countries can't "reverse engineer" it or get its dimensions and shape to learn how to detect it while it's spinning under the water.

[@fyrfyter81]

It's Classified. I could tell you, but...

[@m.f.m.67]

Putin and China are watching. 🤬

[@ChrisJSY]

The editors blurred some parts and then....one frame where it's not blurred and you can see the rear edges.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

I noticed it was mainly the conning tower being blurred. I also noticed a lack of control planes on the tower. Perhaps the blurring covers the new method of roll control. Maybe even a little front end pitch assistance. Waterpillar! Pure speculation, folks. I am the one with the least real knowledge or experience on this bus.

[@rickintexas1584]

Peace through strength. I love these amazing machines. I’d love to be able to go on board and have a look. Fantastic job to all the men and women who brought us this amazing vessel.

[@Marine-oj6mx]

She has a proud name to live up to. USS Massachusetts BB-59 served with distinction during WW2.

[@Mgrzely]

I walked these yards and dry docks many times when I first checked into my ship, CVN73 in 93.

[@davidbruce2940]

Greetings from Fall River Massachusetts...Home of the last ship to be named Massachusetts, BB59 South Dakota class battleship...Safe travels for the new submarine.

[@bphaglund]

Oh how I miss working on those beautiful machines.

[@jwmoor]

Kind of amazed they show this..

[@phaiz55]

Isn't a big deal. The only thing on the outside that's really super secret is the prop and you can see it's covered. Everything else classified is inside and you'll never see it.

[@mangeunleashed1380]

I remember when I was in Norfolk (USS Pharris FF-1094) I had to go to a Sub pier to get something, They wouldn't even let me across the brow, the OOD had the person come meet me. I get it, I just thought we're all Navy what's the big deal? But I get it. I did 10 years doing ASW so we trained with these things all the time. The Coolest part was getting to watch a sub do that emergency blow, when they come out and splash down. I'll watch that scene in Hunt for Red October and tell my friends, I've seen that live. Very cool! 😎

[@ashtongreen6270]

Why? You’ll never see her like the builders/sailors do.

[@krashd]

@@phaiz55 It has a pumpjet, not a prop. Or at least it should, they licensed the tech from us Brits.

[@bobbressi5414]

When I was young, we would vacation at a place called Fisher's island in the Long Island sound. When we would cross over from New London Connecticut ,we could see boomers parked in the sound , and you have no idea how big they are until you see them up close. Nuclear subs are massive!

[@montvilleo]

Very skilled tug operators. The "PortaPotty" was left standing ! 😂😂 But in all seriousness, good job boys !

[@DargoDog]

This is another impressive piece in the legacy of the United States Submarine Force. Proud to have served on these boats, but extremely happy I now work on their development and no longer take them to sea.

[@d.r.4453]

Nice video! I never realized how narrow the Virginia-class subs were until I watched this.

[@user-xv6vk3nd8p]

Congratulations US Navy and to all that may sail her. She's beautiful. If you have any spares, we 'down under' could do with some. 😂😂

[@Brian-om2hh]

Aren't you getting yours from the UK?

[@joncarolyn]

@@Brian-om2hhAustralia is getting 3-5 Virginias

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

I believe some are coming your way mate. Got to pull liberty in Perth and Freemantle in '83. Was tied up at Garden Island. Love the Australian people!

[@chrislj2890]

"Death From Below !!!" Although the Porta Potty kinda killed the vibe.

[@nvs4u2]

Welcome to the fleet!!

[@sonurOins]

Love to see it!

[@garymoebs9547]

That is my Son's boat. Proud to watch this. Can't wait till sea trials.

[@gwendolynlykins4245]

My uncle helped design it. Im proud of him and I know my late grandfather is proud of him as well

[@miketobin2324]

The things we monkey's are capable of doing never ceases to amaze me. It's a shame we can't all get along, and not need such an awesome weapon as this beautiful fish.

[@roystrandberg2091]

Cool vid. Thanks for posting.

[@jessevelasquez3847]

Keep them coming!! 💪🏼

[@TeeDee87]

thank you for sharing something as awesome as this.

[@MBCGRS]

Imagine being the Skipper... what a dream job. One ping only number 1...

[@raymondyee3313]

What depth is the porta potty rated???

[@hyperian_one]

Xi depth! A Putin potty!

[@wornouttire]

300m if you keep speed < 5kts. It is self cleaning, but the bolts will sheer over that speed.

[@raymondyee3313]

@@wornouttire The self cleaning is great however the bunny huggers gonna get ya!!!

[@jobutl]

That is one BEAUTIFUL beast

[@user-hh8er3wi5b]

Great! Watching submarines always thrilling

[@lisarak8639]

Breathless !!!!

[@travismcdonald148]

Always love watching a new machine being born!

[@JBSmoke1]

Awesome!

[@stealthfighter2923]

Optional porta potty might be hard to use when submerged

[@gregwilliams386]

Saw the USS Plunger SSN-595, launched in December 1961 at Mare Island. Things are much better laid out and planned than then.

[@josephbrands6303]

594 TOUGH!

[@Mark.G475]

Wow! Great video, great editing! Cheer's from Milwaukee Wisconsin 🧀🍻🇺🇲

[@tinlizzie]

Nice job. My first husband was on SSBN657.

[@thafunktapus]

watching this gives me goosebumps. what an awesome vessel. please build more shipyards so we can have more of these faster. doubt anybody is really using the honeybucket...one must remain in compliance, however.

[@mh53j]

The facilities to build these are just as impressive. I didn't realize subs were built at Newport News; thought they were all from Connecticut. I've obviously been under a rock.

[@bigchills7194]

Some of this ship is actually built by EB both at Groton and Quonset point. I built some of those pipes 😆

[@corvanphoenix]

Great job guys!

[@Tipp_Of_The_Mitt]

Surprised they didn't blur out the porta pottys.

[@m.f.m.67]

They should have! I can just see Chinese and Russian intelligence pouring over the satellite images..."What are these blurred out sections? Some new weapon?" 😂

[@4Core100]

After Chilli night it turns into dirty bomb that violates every Geneva convention.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@4Core100 only if it reaches critical mass.

[@johnevans1969]

Thank you to everyone involved with this beautiful creation 💕 God Forever 🙏 Bless her and her crew. ❤

[@robertmurphy4836]

Did it get a last minute anti fouling coating?

[@TFT-bp8zk]

USS Massachusetts and her majestic aft dorsal porta-shttr 😂

[@phil20_20]

If not for Turtle...

[@KevinBreak]

I couldn't stop watching the blurred out areas

[@cestall1]

"Can I use the bathroom down below?" "No. We have a crap shack on the deck."

[@gabecollins5585]

Best place for it obviously. Push it in as a prank because it’s only a prank and that makes it okay.

[@lawrencestrabala6146]

Go Fast Attack fleet go! I was a Fast Attack sailor in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Go men and ladies Go!

[@puggsandgunsandthings]

Screams "fear me" silently

[@Desertpagan]

My Uncle, a good-natured, Tin-Can (Destroyer) sailor, stopped teasing me for being a Bubble-head (submariner) when I told him the Navy has only two types of vessels . . . Submarines and Targets. "Screams "fear me" silently", well put!!

[@donkeytonks6466]

We need MORE.

[@thejmac69]

Fair winds and following seas :salute:

[@jaybravo2199]

It's moments like at 1:03 where I wonder what was so secret that it needed to be blurred out! I also liked the included ports-toilet at 2:08.

[@bmbullman]

You can see that part at 1:33 if you put it into 0.25x speed and get your space bar ready! I still don't know what I'm looking at. Possibly some sort of propulsion on the control surfaces or a sensor or something...

[@craigbaker9252]

She’s gorgeous. I’d love to get a ride on her. I rode subs in the 80’s. Would be nice to see the new capabilities to the old.

[@Mattjki]

The universal element of all great construction: The Port-o-John!

[@Rem1061]

I love the secret squirrel stuff, they blur the aft stabilizers, then show them in full view, then blur them again.Top side blurred, then shown etc. The only thing they manage to really conceal is the shape of the props, which is important, but the US adversaries are right there with us on cavitation control so whats the use, other than the DOD's trying to classify everything? If they could figure out a way to stamp classified on sex they would do so.

[@danjohnston9037]

Class and type Virginia-class submarine Displacement 7,800 tons Length 377 ft (115 m) Beam 34 ft (10.4 m) Draft 32 ft (9.8 m) Propulsion S9G reactor auxiliary diesel engine Speed 25 knots (46 km/h) Endurance can remain submerged for up to 3 months Test depth greater than 800 ft (244 m) Complement 15 officers 120 enlisted Armament 12 VLS tubes, four 21 inch (530 mm) torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes BGM-109 Tomahawk

[@joechunter1]

The birth of bad ass American Power set free! Gotta love it!

[@karaDee2363]

Very impressive

[@kindnuguz]

Bravo to all you amazing people working on these projects. Thank you I want to see more and more shipping yards here in the US, at least half the capacity we once had. Made in the USA means something special to me

[@josephbrands6303]

Long day for the A Gangers running that Emergency Diesel Generator set. I feel for them, been there done that! MM1(SS/SW) USS Haddock (SSN 621) & USS La Jolla (SSN 701).

[@janofb]

Like what's the manhole cover on the bottom of the front.

[@donlarocque5157]

Sonar dome? If that's what it's called.

[@tonydique4554]

Congratulations

[@doodmonkey]

Nice!

[@CuttingEdge49]

Hell yes!

[@philchristmas4071]

Nice job! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@wecanrebuildhim]

Wow,.......it even has top-side porta-potties. Rock on!

[@railgap]

USN finally learning what the Brits have apparently known for decades... ;D Safe and silent travels.

[@BenDoverII]

Does it have any Rod holders?

[@Fubar684]

Do the portable heads cost as much as the $300 hammers? Good luck to USS Massachusetts. Fair winds and following seas.

[@williamstearns7490]

What a beautiful boat. The Virginia Class is a truly impressive hunter that’ll ensure the Russian and Chinese navies keep their hands to themselves.

[@r.r.gw.4959]

Cool .

[@donaldlong9259]

Just in time too!!!

[@markmccarren827]

good job. Keep it up!

[@michaelogden5958]

A good thing they remembered to put the plug in! 🙂

[@Trapster99]

I remember visiting the USS Massachusetts as a museum Battle Ship back in the 1980's. Yeah, there was a reason the US Navy wanted the names back from those old ships of WWII.

[@s.porter8646]

COB is from Framingham

[@Sparks00psn]

Looks like a great boat. Silent service 🍺

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

I hope that port-a-potty had a sign "Remove Before Dive" 😆

[@jefflevoir6127]

May God protect and watch over all who sail her. And may she never have to be used for what she is capable of.

[@rickbase833]

If the full procurement run hits 60......this class along with the Arleigh Burke ships (92) will be two of the largest class of Navy units post WW2.

[@Peter-976]

What were the tarps covering?

[@wornouttire]

My guess is the side sonar "blisters". I'll not say what the surprising tech is inside those, but you can find if you dig enough.

[@lloydjones3371]

lower costs and improver performance. we need more of these ASAP

[@g-man2228]

Let’s hear it for the Tugs…👊🏻🇺🇸

[@philbivins7133]

She's a beauty. Welcome to the Fleet. God Speed, long may you run.