City Council Supports Commissioning of USS Massachusetts

General George Washington ordered three schooners to cruise off the coast of Massachusetts to intercept enemy supply lines, an action that helped inspire the Continental Congress to form the United States Navy on October 13, 1775.

The USS Constitution, our nation’s longest-serving commissioned vessel, recently made history in the leadership brought forward through the first women to respectively lead the Historical Ship.



A second ship that valiantly served our nation and bore the name USS Massachusetts now serves a national museum within our Commonwealth. From 1942 to 1947, she served in all major theatres of World War II ⁠— firing the first and the last 16 inch battleship runs from her large deck guns, earning 11 battle stars for her wartime service.



There is to be a new USS Massachusetts, a fast attack submarine of the Virginia Class, capable of stealthily projecting power around the world to support our nation’s security. This submarine, the eighth to bear the name USS Massachusetts, is expected to carry-on the traditions of all previous ships named USS Massachusetts and to be supported by our citizenry as she sails in our name.



This submarine, purposefully built for the inclusion of women sailors, will be a place that fosters the service and leadership of both men and women. This week, the Council adopted a resolution showing their support for the commissioning of the USS Massachusetts.