The US Navy commissioned its latest submarine on September 14, 2024, marking the first vessel in the fleet designed to accommodate both male and female sailors. The USS New Jersey, a fast-attack Virginia-class underwater craft, was officially commissioned during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle and will comprise a crew of approximately 135 personnel.
The event drew nearly 4,000 attendees, including veterans, sailors' families, and Navy and government officials. During the inauguration, the commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, reportedly praised the crew for their dedication to operating one of the most advanced platforms in the world, expressing his admiration for their achievements.
However, online reactions to this news have been mixed. One X user wrote:
“We’re so cooked.”
Some X users found this development ‘absurd.’ Others mocked the vessel by calling it a non-binary ship.
“This is absurd. This madness has to end,” a person reacted on X.
“Oh my god. So stupid. It's a ship. Non binary ship? Lmao Whats wrong with these people,” a netizen commented.
“Seeing s**t like this makes me not care as much that we're on the verge of nuclear annihilation,” an internet user wrote.
“I'm waiting to see what my old man, a retired nuclear weapons officer from submarine duty, reacts to this. I'm sure he's gonna be thrilled,” another person commented.
However, some netizens reacted by saying that the launch was about national security, not agenda. For most X users, the concern appeared to be about the labeling.
“This is national security, not an agenda. Get it together,” an X user commented.
“Shouldn’t it be co-gender? Or the first submarine with male and female sailors. Pretty sure sea-faring vessels is she/her pronouns,” a person wrote.
“You mean they will refer to the submarine as an it? Confused here,” one netizen pointed out.
The submarine is equipped with separate washrooms and sleeping areas to ensure privacy
Reportedly, the Navy lifted its ban on women serving in undersea vessels in 2010 after which concerns about cramped living spaces and limited privacy led to retrofitting the vessels and designating specific washrooms. The USS New Jersey has specifically been designed to accommodate both genders with features like enhanced privacy in washrooms and sleeping areas.
Additionally, access to top bunks and overhead valves was tailored to suit the height, reach, and strength of female sailors. The nuclear-powered submarine was reportedly nicknamed "Jersey Girl," with its interior adorned with posters and memorabilia reflecting the state, including a guitar autographed by Jon Bon Jovi.
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Crew members reportedly mentioned that they were considering transforming the communal dining area to resemble a New Jersey diner. The vessel measures 377 feet in length, with a 34-foot beam, and is capable of diving to depths beyond 800 feet while operating at speeds over 25 knots.
Delivered in April, the vessel will be the 23rd Virginia-class underwater vehicle co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding for the Navy's Submarine Force over the past 25 years. Over 700 women are reportedly serving in these underwater crafts at present.
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