The U.S. Navy has reached a historic milestone with the commissioning of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), the first American submarine to feature a fully integrated mixed-gender crew.
First Mixed-Gender Crewed Submarine
The Navy proudly announced the launch of the USS New Jersey, marking a significant step toward greater inclusivity in the military.
This submarine, part of the Virginia-class, represents a major shift in Navy tradition. For the first time in the history of American submarines, men and women will work side by side aboard the USS New Jersey, according to Ziare.
The move underscores the Navy's commitment to diversity and demonstrates how it continues to evolve to meet modern standards of equality.
"USS New Jersey is now commissioned and ready for service!" the Navy declared in a social media post, celebrating the achievement.
730 Women Assigned to Submarines
The vessel is designed to accommodate both male and female sailors, incorporating several modifications to ensure comfort and functionality for a mixed crew. These changes include additional doors and restrooms, as well as redesigned sleeping and bathing areas.
Enhanced features like adjustable valves and improved access to amenities have been installed to facilitate daily operations.
The Navy's effort to integrate women into its submarine fleet is part of a broader trend. Over the past five years, the number of female officers has doubled, and the number of enlisted women in the submarine force has tripled.
Currently, there are over 60,000 women serving in the U.S. Navy, with 730 women assigned to operational submarines as of August.
