NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 6, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII HI I baptized today Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) in the Company’s Newport News Shipbuilding Division.

“Shipbuilding is a noble calling and you can see our pride in craftsmanship before you,” said NNS President Jennifer Boykin. “If Massachusetts joins the fleet, she will be the latest innovation and force, defending our freedom just like Paul Revere on his famous midnight voyage. As the SSN 798 supports the Navy’s critical missions around the world, it will carry with it the patriotism of its shipbuilders.”

Sheryl Sandberg, founder and chairman of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation and former Chief Operating Officer of Meta (formerly Facebook), is serving as the ship’s sponsor. Sandberg performed the traditional honor of snapping a bottle of American sparkling wine over the sub’s bow during the ceremony.

Photos accompanying this press release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-christens-virginia-class-attack-submarine-massachusetts-ssn-798.

“I was raised to be deeply grateful for our freedom and all those who risk their lives to defend it,” Sandberg said. “So it was an honor when then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus asked me to be a sponsor Massachusetts eight years ago. I couldn’t be more excited to be in Newport News to celebrate this boat with the shipbuilders who worked so hard to bring it to life. Today is more than just a ship christening. It’s also a celebration of progress. This is one of the first submarines purposely built to serve both men and women, and it will make our military stronger. It is an honor to baptize Massachusetts and spend the day with service members, shipbuilders, and their families. They are a living legacy of all that represents America.”

The ceremony took place outside of the Module Outfitting Facility at NNS and was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including NNS employees who are building