The Commissioning Committee of the USS MASSACHUSETTS provided a week of celebration for the prospective crew of the latest naval vessel to be named for the Bay State. The home hotel for the activities, the beautiful Boston Harbor Hotel, overlooked waters which saw the Boston Tea Party and the arrival of the Massachusetts Bay Colonists during the Great Migration. Bag pipers in kilts, Freemasons, a number of representatives of the United Kingdom and Australia’s military in uniform, combined with all of those in US Navy dress blues made for a colorful array of uniforms on Friday and Saturday.
The first submarine to dock in Boston, the foreboding, black “boat” sat proudly, seemingly aware of the historical aura of its surroundings. A gala reception was held at the hotel on the eve of the event on Friday 27th. As endless food and libations were offered, many gifts were bestowed upon the ship, its plank owner crew and its Sponsor, Ms. Sheryl Sandberg. Ann Zumwalt, President of SOS presented the ship and Ms. Sandberg leather pouches filled with sand from the beaches of America’s Hometown, Plymouth, Massachusetts. Ms. Sandberg then presented the ship triad (CO CMDR Mike Siedsma, XO LCDR Joshua Hightower, and Chief of the Boat Edward Brennan III with a beautiful bell, which rang true when struck by COB Brennan.
On Saturday morning Thousands gathered on Boston Harbor on Commissioning Day with gleeful smiles, warm hearts and cold hands as the shining sun disguised the cold air, which reminded all of us that Bostonians are tough for a reason. Bunting, Pilgrims, Minutemen and the Navy Band provided the backdrop as guests found their seats. The newest ship of the Fleet, the 6th ship named for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, sat tied up along the pier, while the oldest ship in the Navy, the USS CONSTITUTION, patrolled behind her. SSN 798 is the 25th fast attack VIRGINIA-Class submarine, built for speed, stealth, lethality and intelligence gathering. The crew’s battle cry reflects its heritage and mission: “Wicked Stealthy”.
The guests stood to welcome the platform participants, led by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and finally Ms. Sandberg escorted by CMDR Siedsma. Honors were paid to Governor Healey, followed by the Presentation of Colors and an opening prayer offered by chaplain of the Submarine Readiness Squadron THREE TWO, LCDR Daniel Chung.
Governor Healey led the speakers with immense pride in the role her state and the ship’s namesake played in the founding of our nation and in its maritime history. Kari Wilkinson, President of Newport News Shipbuilding, acknowledged the ship building professionals who built the ship along with contractors and partners throughout the country. Rep. Seth Moulton, a former Marine, spoke of his experience “riding along” with a Virgina Class boat. Admiral Houston, Director Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and the senior of the three flag officers of the submarine community, spoke of the attributes of this submarine, which adds to the US Navy asymmetrical advantage in underseas warfare. The Keynote Speaker, General Counsel of the Navy, David Denton, a Harvard Law School graduate and former Naval Intelligence officer. He advocated continuous transformation in the relentless pursuit of excellence of our shipbuilding process. Admiral Houston placed the USS MASSACHUSETTS in Commission and The First Watch was set with the presentation of the Long Glass by Captain USN (ret) Thomas Kelley, Medal of Honor Recipient, and namesake of the future USS Thomas G. Kelley (DDG-140).
Ms. Sheryl Sandberg shared the passion she brings to her role as Sponsor in a final address to the guests. She told of the surprise she felt when then Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus called and invited her to become a ship sponsor. She admitted to having no idea what that entailed but has since embraced the role and become a model sponsor. “I didn’t know this would be the coolest thing I have ever done.” She stated she has learned so much about leadership from the men and women she encountered in the Navy. She reminded us that we don’t have a navy because we have a country, we have a country because we have a navy! She then gave the command: “Man our ship and bring her to life!” The crew responded in unison, “Aye, aye, ma’am!” and ran aboard as the ship officially came to life.
All in attendance were then treated to rows of food trucks with goodies : Pizza, empanadas, hamburgers and of course some good old New England Chowdah!
Submitted by Ann Zumwalt (USS ZUMWALT DDG 1000)
