U.S. Navy Commissions First Submarine Designed for Coed Crews

The U.S. Navy commissioned its latest fast-attack Virginia-class submarine, USS New Jersey (SSN 796), in a ceremony held Saturday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey.

The vessel marks a big milestone as the primary U.S. Navy submarine particularly designed to accommodate each female and male crews. Commanding Officer Cmdr. Steve Halle referred to as the occasion “a really historic second.”

“Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our variety. We now have exceeded expectations at each flip and overcome each impediment set earlier than us,” he stated.

Whereas the USS New Jersey is the twenty third Virginia-class submarine to be constructed and delivered, it’s the first of its sort to be designed from the keel up with particular modifications for gender integration.

The submarine options modifications to boost privateness in berthing compartments and enhance total dwelling circumstances for all sailors, together with steps for reaching triple-high bunk beds and changes to overhead valve heights. These adjustments mirror the Navy’s dedication to gender integration, which started in 2010 when the ban on ladies serving aboard submarines was lifted.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Companies Committee, hailed the commissioning as a historic milestone, stating, “Totally integrating ladies into the submarine drive has elevated the Navy’s expertise pool, improved readiness, created new profession pathways for feminine leaders, and strengthened nationwide safety.”

The 377-foot-long submarine, able to diving to depths larger than 800 toes and working at speeds exceeding 25 knots, joins a fleet of fast-attack submarines designed for a number of missions, together with anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, and particular operations.

The development of the Virginia-class submarines entails a singular collaboration between Common Dynamics Electrical Boat and HII-Newport Information Shipbuilding, with each firms constructing totally different sections and alternating deliveries. The usNew Jersey (SSN 796), christened at Newport Information Shipbuilding in November 2021m is the eleventh Virginia-class submarine delivered by HII-NNS.

The submarine additionally turns into the third U.S. Navy ship named after the state of New Jersey, the latest being the adorned battleship BB-62 which noticed motion throughout WWII, the Korean Battle, and the Vietnam Battle.

“I do know that the legacy we have now inherited from the state of New Jersey and BB-62 will carry ahead in our pursuit of greatness,” Cmdr Halle stated in his speech. “At present, we commissioned our ship, and she or he is the quickest, most superior, totally built-in fast-attack so far.”