Seba News Desk: The USS New Jersey, a Virginia-class submarine, has made history as the first in its fleet designed for the full integration of male and female sailors. The launch ceremony took place on Saturday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey. This submarine marks a significant milestone in the Navy's commitment to diversity and inclusion.- Fox News
Photo: Fox News |
The U.S. Navy has officially launched the USS New Jersey, marking the first submarine in its fleet specifically designed for the full integration of male and female sailors. The commissioning ceremony took place on Saturday at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, for this fast-attack Virginia-class submarine.
During the ceremony, Cmdr. Steve Halle, the commanding officer of the USS New Jersey, addressed the crew, stating, "You operate the most complex platform on the planet and you continuously strive for excellence. I’m amazed and humbled at what we have accomplished." He further emphasized the importance of crew integration and diversity, noting, "Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity. We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us."
The USS New Jersey is manned by approximately 135 Navy personnel and is the first submarine in its class to be designed for complete gender integration. Following the Navy's decision to lift the ban on women serving on submarines in 2010, concerns regarding cramped living quarters and privacy led to retrofitting existing submarines with designated washrooms.
In contrast, the USS New Jersey was purposefully designed with gender integration in mind, featuring enhanced privacy in washrooms and sleeping quarters. Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, commander of Submarine Forces Atlantic, explained to NorthJersey.com that considerations such as access to top bunks and overhead valves were made with the physical attributes of women in mind.
This nuclear-powered submarine, affectionately referred to as "Jersey Girl," boasts interior spaces adorned with posters and memorabilia that celebrate the state, including a guitar signed by Jon Bon Jovi, according to reports. Measuring 377 feet in length with a 34-foot beam, the USS New Jersey can dive to depths exceeding 800 feet and achieve speeds greater than 25 knots.
The USS New Jersey is the third vessel in the U.S. Navy to bear the name of the state, following the renowned battleship BB-62, which served during World War II and the Korean War.
Source: Fox News
খবর/তথ্যের বিষয়বস্তুর সঙ্গে মিল আছে এবং আপত্তিজনক নয়- এমন মন্তব্যই প্রদর্শিত হবে। মন্তব্যগুলো পাঠকের নিজস্ব মতামত, সেবা হট নিউজ এর দায়ভার কখনই নেবে না।