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The US Navy is moving forward with a more male, female integrated workforce following the commissioning of the Virginia Class fast-attack submarine, USS New Jersey.
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SSN 796, commissioned during a traditional ceremony last month in New Jersey, is the first fast-attack submarine designed for a fully integrated male and female crew.
The nuclear-powered vessel will operate under Submarine Squadron 8 and maintain a primary mission to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments internationally.
The USS New Jersey has a crew of nearly 135 Navy personnel in total with approximately 29 female personnel included.
The vessel has reportedly been designed specifically to allow more room and greater privacy in washrooms, sleeping areas as well as redesigned overhead valves to accommodate female sailors.
“Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity,” USS New Jersey Commanding Officer Commander Steve Halle said, speaking at the ceremony.
“We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.
“We commissioned our ship and she is the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date."
The submarine is reportedly able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare.
Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises, according to the US Navy.
“Following rigorous sea trials, the USS New Jersey will come to life as the newest and 23rd Virginia Class fast-attack submarine in the US Navy’s submarine fleet dedicated to protecting our nation’s peace and prosperity around the globe,” US Congressman Joe Courtney said.
“While over 600 women serve as officers and sailors on attack submarines today, the New Jersey is the first attack submarine designed and built for a mix-gendered crew.
“This long overdue innovation is critical as the Navy works to recruit and retain exceptional sailors and make sure that all Navy platforms can support all those willing and capable of serving.
“New Jersey marks the second boat to be commissioned in a year’s time. Shipbuilders will also deliver the USS Iowa to the Navy, clearly demonstrating that the submarine industrial base is recovering from a nationwide manufacturing slowdown caused by the pandemic and picking up the pace to build a stronger US fleet and uphold our commitment to Australia. In Congress, I am working with my colleagues to keep this momentum strong.”
US submarines have traditionally run with entirely male crews; however, female guests have been allowed to stay on the vessels.
