The U.S. Navy on Saturday commissioned the fleet's first new submarine designed to accommodate a full mix of male and female sailors.
The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS New Jersey was commissioned during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey.
“We operate the most complex platform on the planet and always strive for excellence,” New Jersey's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Steve Hare, told the submarine's crew during the ceremony. “I am amazed and humbled by what we've accomplished.”
“Our exceptional professionalism is enhanced by the inclusion and diversity of our crew,” Halle continued. “We have exceeded expectations in every way and overcome every obstacle that has been put in front of us.”
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The submarine is the third U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of New Jersey, joining the legendary battleship BB-62, which served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. (Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro/Facebook)
The USS New Jersey is staffed by approximately 135 Navy personnel and is the first ship of its class designed to be entirely co-ed.
The USS New Jersey has a crew of approximately 135 men and women. (Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro/Facebook)
The Navy lifted its ban on women serving on submarines in 2010, but has since retrofitted the vessels with designated washrooms amid concerns that living quarters were too cramped and lacked privacy.
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS New Jersey was commissioned in a ceremony Saturday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Addison)
The New Jersey was designed from the beginning to be usable by both men and women, including greater privacy in bathrooms and sleeping areas, said Vice Adm. Robert Gauchet, commander of Submarine Force Atlantic. He told NorthJersey.com. Access to the upper bunk and overhead valves was also designed with women's height, reach and strength in mind.
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The nuclear submarine has been nicknamed “Jersey Girl” and its interior is decorated with posters and memorabilia symbolizing the state, including a guitar signed by Jon Bon Jovi, the news agency reported.
The nuclear submarine is 377 feet long and 34 feet wide. It can dive to depths of more than 800 feet and reach speeds of more than 25 knots. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Addison)
The submarine is 377 feet long, has a beam of 34 feet, can dive to depths of more than 800 feet, and can travel at speeds of more than 25 knots.
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This is the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of New Jersey, joining the legendary battleship BB-62, which served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
