The USS New Jersey (SSN 796) has been commissioned as the U.S. Navy’s first coed submarine. This marks a historic moment in the 100-year history of submarines, as it is the first fully integrated submarine built for both male and female sailors. The ship has undergone modifications to accommodate the coed crew, including separate sleeping and bathing areas for men and women, as well as other design changes to make the ship more inclusive.
The addition of 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 for the first time. The Navy views this as a testament to the strength that diversity brings to the Navy, and as a way to plan for the future regarding manning and taking advantage of the entire population for finding submariners.
The commissioning ceremony for the USS New Jersey took place at Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey, making it the third Naval ship named for the state. The ship is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, and its delivery marks a turning point in Naval warfare, making it more inclusive, stronger, and more capable than ever before. The Navy sees this as a significant step forward in integrating women into the submarine force, with the number of female officers and enlisted sailors in the submarine force increasing in recent years.
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