On Saturday, the USS New Jersey was officially commissioned into the US Navy’s Submarine Force. This Virginia-class submarine, manned by a crew of nearly 135 personnel, is being hailed as the first “gender-neutral” submarine in the fleet.
During the commissioning ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, the submarine’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, praised the crew’s achievements. “You operate the most complex platform on the planet and continuously strive for excellence. Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and diversity. We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us,” Halle said, according to Fox News.
The USS New Jersey is the first submarine in its class specifically designed to accommodate both male and female sailors. Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, commander of Submarine Force Atlantic, stated to Stars and Stripes, “The submarine community is a fully gender-integrated warfighting force.”
To achieve this integration, modifications were made to the vessel, including separate sleeping quarters and washrooms for male and female sailors, lowering overhead valves for easier access, and installing steps by triple-high bunk beds and stacked laundry machines.
Gaucher also highlighted that in the last five years, the number of female officers and enlisted sailors in the submarine force has doubled and tripled, respectively. As of August, 730 women were assigned to operational submarines, marking significant progress since the Navy lifted its ban on women serving aboard submarines.
“Starting with the USS New Jersey, all future nuclear-powered attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines will be built gender-neutral from the keel up to support women serving onboard,” Gaucher added.