Historic Milestone for U.S. Navy: New Submarine Commissioned

American flag and submarine at sea under a cloudy sky.

The U.S. Navy has launched its first fully gender-integrated submarine, marking a significant milestone in naval history and sparking debates about military readiness and social progress.

At a Glance

USS New Jersey commissioned as the first fully gender-integrated submarine
Equipped with special privacy features for male and female sailors
Follows 2010 lifting of ban on female submarine service
Part of the Navy’s plan to deploy 33 gender-integrated crews by 2030

A New Era for Naval Warfare

The USS New Jersey, a state-of-the-art Virginia-class submarine, was commissioned at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey. This vessel represents a significant leap forward in naval technology and social progress, being the first submarine designed from the ground up to accommodate both male and female crew members.

“Today, we commissioned our ship, and she is the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date,” said Cmdr. Steve Halle, the commanding officer of the USS New Jersey.

The submarine’s design includes individualized washroom and sleeping facilities, addressing privacy concerns that have long been a barrier to gender integration in submarine service. These modifications, while seemingly minor, represent a major step towards gender equality in one of the military’s most challenging environments.

Breaking Barriers and Tradition

The commissioning of the USS New Jersey comes 14 years after the Navy first allowed women to serve on submarines. This decision, made by then-Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in 2010, marked the beginning of a gradual integration process that has now culminated in the launch of a fully gender-integrated vessel.

“Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity,” USS New Jersey’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, stated during the commissioning ceremony. “We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.”

The integration of women into submarine service has not been without challenges. Critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on unit cohesion and operational effectiveness. However, proponents argue that expanding the talent pool strengthens the Navy’s capabilities and reflects the values of equality that the military is sworn to protect.

Technical Marvels and State Pride

The USS New Jersey is a marvel of modern naval engineering. At 377 feet long and capable of diving over 800 feet, this nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine can reach speeds of 25 knots and is crewed by approximately 135 Navy personnel. Its advanced capabilities include anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence gathering.

In a nod to its namesake state, the submarine’s interior features New Jersey-themed decorations, including Rutgers University posters and memorabilia from the New Jersey Devils. This personal touch, along with its unofficial nickname “Jersey Girl,” reflects the pride and connection between the vessel and the state it represents.

The USS New Jersey, the first fast-attack Virginia-class submarine in the Navy to fully integrate mixed gender crews, was commissioned in a traditional ceremony Saturday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, N.J.

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Looking to the Future

The commissioning of the USS New Jersey is just the beginning of a broader initiative to integrate women fully into submarine service. The Navy aims to deploy 33 gender-integrated crews across all its submarine platforms and homeports by 2030. This commitment reflects a changing military culture that seeks to leverage the talents of all Americans, regardless of gender.

As the submarine force continues to evolve, the success of the USS New Jersey and its crew will likely be closely watched by military leaders and policymakers. The performance of this pioneering vessel may well shape the future of naval operations and gender integration across all branches of the armed forces.