The First Ever Submarine With a Mixed-Gender Crew: USS New Jersey

Unlike other submarines like the Ohio-class, which are among the largest and most capable submarines in the U.S. Navy, have historically operated with all-male crews. But, there has been a gradual integration of female sailors into the submarine force. As of 2023, there were approximately 609 women assigned to operational submarines, predominantly on Ohio-class vessels.

The USS New Jersey (SSN-796) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the U.S. Navy's approach to gender integration within its submarine fleet. Commissioned on September 14, 2024, the USS New Jersey is the first fast-attack Virginia-class submarine specifically designed to accommodate a mixed-gender crew from its inception. This milestone follows the Navy's decision in 2010 to lift the ban on women serving on submarines, a policy change that necessitated significant adjustments to existing vessels.

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