The USS New Jersey (SSN 796) has been commissioned and is the U.S. Navy’s first coed submarine, marking a historic milestone in submarine history. This Virginia-class submarine is the first fully integrated submarine built for both male and female sailors in the Navy’s 100-year history. The addition of the USS New Jersey to the Navy fleet is seen as a symbol of progress and breaking barriers, as men and women will now operate the sub side by side. Modifications were made aboard the ship to accommodate the coed crew, including more doors and washrooms to create separated sleeping and bathing areas, as well as other changes to make the ship more inclusive for both male and female sailors.
The commissioning ceremony for the USS New Jersey took place at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey. This marked the third naval ship named for the state, with the previous two being battleships used in World War I, World War II, and other conflicts. The USS New Jersey is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine that was first announced in May 2015 and was finally delivered in April 2021. The Navy sees this submarine as representative of the future of the submarine force and a step towards integrating the entire population into the submariner community. The ship’s design changes and accommodations for the coed crew reflect the Navy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as utilizing the talents of all sailors, regardless of gender.
The USS New Jersey’s commissioning represents a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to increase the number of women serving in the submarine force. The Navy has seen a doubling in the number of female officers and a tripling in the number of enlisted sailors in the submarine force over the last five years. Currently, there are over 60,000 enlisted women serving in the U.S. Navy, with 730 women assigned to operational submarines as of August. This increase in female representation in the Navy demonstrates the progress being made towards creating a more diverse and inclusive military force.
The voices in the video posted by the Navy emphasize the importance of diversity and the strength it brings to the Navy. They see the integration of men and women on the USS New Jersey as a testament to the progress being made in the Navy and as a step towards a more inclusive future. These changes aboard the ship, such as separated sleeping and bathing areas for the coed crew, are designed to accommodate the growing number of women joining the Navy as submariners. The modifications to the ship’s design were made to ensure that both male and female sailors are able to perform their duties effectively and comfortably.
The commissioning of the USS New Jersey is a historic moment for the Navy and highlights the Navy’s commitment to progress and integration. The video posted by the Navy celebrates the significance of this milestone and the impact it will have on the future of the submarine force. The USS New Jersey is a symbol of the Navy’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity, as well as its recognition of the importance of utilizing the talents of all sailors, regardless of gender. The integration of men and women on this coed submarine reflects the Navy’s effort to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all sailors, while also recognizing the unique skills and abilities that each individual brings to the force.
