The US Navy has commissioned its first “fully gender-integrated” submarine, Fox News reports. Reported Sunday.
The USS New Jersey was commissioned in a ceremony held at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, the media reported.
Footage of the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine was shared on X by Navy veteran Glenn Malo.
“We operate the most complex platform on Earth and will always strive for excellence,” Commander Steve Hare told the submarine's crew of about 135 people. speech“I'm amazed and humbled by what we've accomplished.”
“Our exceptional professionalism is strengthened by the integration and diversity of our crew,” Hare added. “We have exceeded expectations in every way and overcome every obstacle that has been put in front of us.”
Prior to New Jersey, no U.S. submarines had been designed to accommodate male and female crew members.
Then-Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates lifted a ban on women serving on submarines in 2010, after it was long thought that lack of living quarters and privacy made it difficult for men and women to serve on them.
“The goal is to have 33 different crews integrated with officers on every platform and in every homeport by 2030,” the Navy said. press release Status as of June 2021.
The new submarines will feature increased privacy in bathrooms and bedrooms,[d] Upper bunk and overhead valve access,” NorthJersey.com Reported.
