[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN-798)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 27, 2026

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the USS 
Massachusetts (SSN-798) Virginia Class nuclear submarine and her crew 
on the historic occasion of her commissioning, in Boston Harbor, in her 
namesake Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on March 28. 2026. It has been 
more than 50 years since the last USS Massachusetts (BB-59) served the 
Nation as a Ship of the Line.
  The eighth United States Naval vessel to carry the name, dating back 
to 1791, the USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) will build upon the proud 
legacy of the previous seven ships christened USS Massachusetts, 
representing a Commonwealth with claims on the birthplace of the United 
States Navy, and which is the home of the great USS Constitution, the 
oldest commissioned ship in the fleet.
  This warship will further underscore Massachusetts' rich maritime 
tradition, naval service and commitment of its citizens by her motto, 
inspired by President Kennedy's Inaugural Address, emblazoned on the 
ship's crest: Pro Patria ``For Country.''
  Naming the Navy's latest, most advanced submarine the USS 
Massachusetts provides a proud continuity, as two of the U.S. Submarine 
Medal of Honor recipients (of only eight in history) serving in World 
War II are tied to the Commonwealth; then Commander Vice Admiral Lawson 
``Red'' Paterson Ramage, was born in Monroe, Massachusetts, and then 
Lieutenant Commander Captain George Levick Street, III was a long-time 
resident of the Commonwealth in Andover.
  Fully embracing our rich maritime heritage and steadfast service to 
the Nation, dating back to the Revolutionary War, the USS Massachusetts 
(SSN-798) Commissioning Committee is working to develop a strong bond 
between the ship and the Commonwealth, and to cultivate a strong and 
sustained relationship between the citizens of the Commonwealth and the 
crew of the USS Massachusetts (SSN-798).
  Mr. Speaker, this state-of-the-art Virginia Class nuclear attack 
submarine, christened USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), has completed 
acceptance trials and been delivered to our Nation's Navy by the 
builder, Huntington Ingalls Industry. Its world-class, leading-edge 
stealth and other technological innovations will be a key component of 
the United States Naval Fleet, capable of a wide array of critical 
missions. I am confident that all citizens of the Commonwealth, and all 
Americans. will be proud of the future role of the USS Massachusetts 
(SSN-798) and her crew members in protecting our Nation.
  I again would like to recognize the profound historical significance 
of the commissioning of warship USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) and extend 
our best wishes for good fortune for all those that sail aboard her, 
for fair winds and following seas during her service to our Nation, and 
that service should commence with her commissioning in the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts on March 28, 2026 in Boston Harbor. God-speed.

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