RECOGNIZING THE USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN-798)

RECOGNIZING THE USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN-798)

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026) [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. ____________________