MASSACHUSETTS (SSN 798)

CHRISTENING CEREMONY

Newport News Shipbuilding christened Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) on Saturday, May 6.

The tradition of christening a naval vessel goes back centuries. Today, it has evolved into a ceremony that honors the individuality of the ship and the life ahead of her. During the christening ceremony, the ship’s sponsor proclaims, “In the name of the United States I christen thee…” and shatters a ceremonial bottle of American sparkling wine against the bow of the new ship.

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ABOUT THE SUBMARINE

Massachusetts (SSN 798) is the 25th boat in the Virginia-class, built under a unique teaming agreement between HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division and General Dynamics Electric Boat. Suppliers nationwide provide material and equipment to support the Virginia-Class Submarine Program and thousands of shipbuilders are working around-the-clock to bring SSN 798 to life.

#SSN798

Shipbuilders, family and friends are encouraged to join in the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube using #SSN798.

SHERYL K. SANDBERG

SHIP'S SPONSOR

Sheryl Sandberg is the founder and chair of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to build a more equal and resilient world through three key initiatives: LeanIn.org, OptionB.org, and the Dave Goldberg Scholarship Program.

SHIPBUILDER SPOTLIGHT

It’s an honor. I enjoy what I do. I come in and learn something new every day. I’ve worked on a little bit of everything. It’s been a great learning experience.

It’s important to lay down a good quality weld every single day and to make sure all welds are completed 100 percent. Welding is like an art form, putting big pieces of metal together.

I’ve been here only seven months, so it’s been pretty exciting for me. I’m still learning a lot. I’ve been pushed to my limit every day. It’s exciting to know you are part of something so special and big.

It’s nice to know what I’m coming to every day and being able to deliver freedom, to work on a naval nuclear warship and protect the country. I work all over to make sure the sailors are comfortable in their habitability unit.