The U.S. Navy recently commissioned its first coed submarine, USS New Jersey (SSN 796), marking a significant milestone in the 100-year history of submarines. The submarine is the first fully integrated submarine built for both male and female sailors, symbolizing progress and breaking barriers within the Navy. Men and women will operate the sub side by side, united in purpose, skill, and determination. The addition of USS New Jersey to the Navy fleet is seen as a representation of the future of the submarine force and a step towards utilizing the entire population for finding rare individuals who can and should be submariners.
Modifications were made aboard the USS New Jersey to accommodate the growing number of women who are joining the Navy as submariners. These modifications included more doors and washrooms to install separated sleeping and bathing areas for the coed crew, as well as other adjustments like lowering overhead valves, installing steps in front of bunk beds, and stacked laundry machines. The changes to the ship’s design were necessary due to the increase in female officers and enlisted sailors in the submarine force – the number of female officers has doubled, while enlisted sailors have tripled in the past five years according to Stars and Stripes. As of August, 730 women were assigned to operational submarines, highlighting the growing presence of women in the Navy.
The USS New Jersey was commissioned during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey, making it the third Naval ship named for the state. The first two ships named USS New Jersey were battleships that served in various conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The name for the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine was first announced in May 2015, with delivery taking place on April 25. The commissioning of the USS New Jersey represents a significant moment for the Navy as it continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing demographics of its personnel.
The commissioning of the USS New Jersey marks a historic moment in the Navy’s history and demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to diversity and equality within its ranks. The integration of men and women serving on the same submarine highlights the strength that diversity brings to the Navy and the importance of utilizing the entire population for finding qualified submariners. With the increasing number of women joining the Navy as submariners, modifications to ship designs like the USS New Jersey are necessary to provide suitable accommodations for all crew members. The USS New Jersey is a symbol of progress and a representation of the future of the submarine force.
The commissioning of the USS New Jersey is a significant moment for the Navy as it reflects the changing demographics of its personnel and the increasing role of women in the submarine force. The modifications made to the ship’s design to accommodate a coed crew demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that all sailors, regardless of gender, have the necessary facilities and accommodations to serve effectively. The addition of the USS New Jersey to the Navy fleet represents a step forward in breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse submarine force. This commissioning ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey, signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the U.S. Navy.
