 Massachusetts was one of four fast battleships of the South Dakota class to be authorized for construction by the United States Congress in 1938 . Her keel was laid down on 20 July 1939 at the Fore River Shipyard of Quincy , Massachusetts . She was launched on 23 September 1941 sponsored by Mrs. Charles Francis Adams , wife of a former Secretary of the Navy . She was commissioned on 12 May 1942 at Boston , Massachusetts , Captain Francis E. M. Whiting in command . 
