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The US has conducted successful initial trials of Virginia Class vessel Massachusetts (SSN 798).
The Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division of the US’ largest shipbuilding company, Huntington Ingalls Industries, has announced the success of the first sea trials for the Virginia Class, fast-attack submarine, Massachusetts (SSN 798).
Whilst testing remains ongoing, initial trials have pointed to positive achievements in the primary systems and internal infrastructure of the over 7,000-tonne vessel. Over multiple days, testing from NNS and US Navy crew involved entirely submerging the submarine for the first time, as well as conducting a range of “high-speed” manoeuvres, both underwater and on the surface.
NNS president Kari Wilkinson said, “Our entire team at Newport News Shipbuilding understands the importance of delivering capability to our fleet.
“Proving capabilities through this first sea trial for Massachusetts is an important step in demonstrating this and we are honoured to support the mission.”
The vessel, which was christened in May 2023, is one of 25 Virginia Class submarines in the US naval force and is the 12th to be manufactured by NNS.
Virginia Class submarines are versatile, fast-attack ships that stretch over 100 metres and have a range of capabilities, being used in both deep water and near-shore missions. Powered by a nuclear reactor, they have expansive range and are able to stay submerged for extended periods of time.
Being equipped with torpedo tubes and multiple vertical launch systems as well as having modern technological capabilities to allow for intelligence, operational and communications advancements, the vessels are a key asset in increasing modern naval achievements.
While the Royal Australian Navy has not yet acquired any Virginia Class vessels, the AUKUS deal will see Australia acquiring a fully operational fast-attack, nuclear-powered fleet. Earlier this year, Western Australia welcomed USS Minnesota (SSN 783) for a port visit, which Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said was important in advancing Australia’s technical understanding of these submarines.
“This port visit follows the recent submarine tendered maintenance period at HMAS Stirling, which was the first time Australians directly participated in the maintenance of a US nuclear-powered submarine in Australia.”
