Sailors assigned to USS New Jersey (SSN 796) stand by to man their ship during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey on September 14, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The U.S. Navy officially commissioned the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, on Saturday. This vessel stands out as the Navy’s first submarine designed to accommodate both male and female sailors, marking a significant step forward in gender integration within the submarine force.
Cmdr. Steve Halle, the Commanding Officer of USS New Jersey, described the event as “a truly historic moment.” He emphasized the importance of crew diversity and integration, stating that these qualities have enhanced the crew’s professionalism and allowed them to overcome various challenges.
While the USS New Jersey is the 23rd in the Virginia-class series, it is unique because it was built from the ground up with modifications to support gender integration. These include enhanced privacy in sleeping quarters and adjustments in living conditions, such as changes to bunk bed heights and overhead valve access, to make the environment more inclusive for all sailors. These changes reflect the Navy’s broader commitment to integrating women into the submarine force, a process that began in 2010 when the ban on women serving aboard submarines was lifted.
Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged the commissioning as a pivotal moment in the Navy’s history, highlighting the increased talent, readiness, and new career opportunities that gender integration brings to the force.
The USS New Jersey is 377 feet long, capable of diving beyond 800 feet, and can travel at speeds over 25 knots. It joins the fleet as a versatile vessel capable of performing various missions, such as anti-submarine warfare, strike operations, and special missions.
The construction of the Virginia-class submarines involves a collaboration between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. Each company builds different sections of the submarines, and they alternate deliveries. The USS New Jersey, christened in 2021 at Newport News Shipbuilding, is the 11th Virginia-class submarine delivered by HII-NNS.
This submarine is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name New Jersey, following the legacy of the battleship BB-62, which served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Cmdr. Halle expressed pride in carrying forward the legacy of the state and the previous vessel, stating that the USS New Jersey is now the most advanced and fully integrated fast-attack submarine in the fleet.
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