The US Navy has entered a new chapter in its history of gender inclusion with the commissioning of the USS `New Jersey’, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine that has been designed from its inception to fully integrate male and female sailors. The commissioning ceremony took place at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, marking the vessel’s entry into service as a key component of the Navy’s modern submarine fleet.
At 377 feet in length and with a 34-foot beam, the USS `New Jersey’ is the third Navy ship to carry the state’s name, following the famous battleship BB-62, which saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. However, the new USS `New Jersey’ represents more than just a tribute to New Jersey’s naval history. This submarine symbolizes the Navy’s commitment to integrating gender diversity in its operations and tackling long-standing challenges in the submarine service.
Cmdr. Steve Halle, commanding officer of the USS `New Jersey’, lauded the crew during the ceremony, acknowledging the complexity of their mission and the historic significance of the vessel. “You operate the most complex platform on the planet and you continuously strive for excellence,” Halle said. “Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity.” This message speaks directly to the Navy’s new direction, where gender inclusivity is not just an obligation but an enhancement of operational effectiveness.
The USS `New Jersey’ is the first submarine in the Virginia class to be built specifically to accommodate both male and female sailors from the outset. This design move follows the Navy’s decision in 2010 to lift its ban on women serving on submarines, a policy shift that posed logistical challenges due to the confined nature of submarine environments. As a result, previous submarines had to be retrofitted to allow for gender integration. However, the USS `New Jersey’ represents a forward-thinking approach to designing submarines that are inherently inclusive.
The submarine’s modifications include increased privacy in sleeping quarters and washrooms, designed to address concerns about living conditions for mixed-gender crews. In addition, equipment such as overhead valves and bunks were redesigned to account for differences in height, reach, and strength, ensuring that all crew members, regardless of gender, can perform their duties comfortably. Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, commander of Submarine Forces Atlantic, highlighted these innovations, stating, “The USS `New Jersey’ was designed for two genders from the beginning, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness.”
Beyond its practical advancements, the USS `New Jersey’ also honours its home state. The submarine’s interior features memorabilia reflecting New Jersey’s culture, including a guitar signed by rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, a native of the state. The submarine has even earned the nickname “Jersey Girl” among some of its crew members, unofficially connecting it to its cultural roots.
The commissioning of the USS `New Jersey’ marks a significant step in the Navy’s efforts to expand opportunities for women in submarine service. As of 2023, there were over 600 female sailors serving on operational submarines, mostly on retrofitted Ohio-class vessels. The Navy plans to further increase the number of gender-integrated submarines, with future nuclear-powered attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines designed to be gender-neutral from the keel up.
The addition of the USS `New Jersey’ to the fleet is a testament to the Navy’s broader goals of fostering diversity and inclusion while maintaining operational excellence. The Navy’s evolving approach to integrating women into its submarine force not only strengthens the military but also sets a precedent for future generations of sailors.
