The USS New Jersey made waves when it was commissioned – the first submarine in the US Navy fleet designed specifically for women.
This is Machinist’s Mate Kianna Gonzalez’s first submarine.
“I’m the first woman on this boat to be qualified as an engine room supervisor,” she told CBS News.
She looks forward to a promotion, noting that she is next in line to become manager of her division.
The Navy lifted its ban on women boarding submarines in 2010, redesigning bathrooms and dormitories to accommodate them. The New Jersey crew, however, is historic.
“I have about 40 women on board, which is no other fast attack submarine with that many women on the crew,” said Steven Halle, commander of the ship’s 135 crew members.
He said it was “awesome” to lead a historic crew, noting: “Studies have shown that a diverse, fully integrated crew simply performs better. Up to 15 or 20 percent better.”
When asked what he thinks accounts for this increased performance, Halle replied, “If everyone thinks exactly the same way, we end up with one school of thought. Having all genders, all races, really brings an extra level of perspective.”
As more women join the submarine force, the Navy says they bring important capabilities.
“Integration is not only vital to solving problems, but it is also a necessity for war,” said Lt. Victoria Meyer, the Navy’s women in submarines coordinator.
“When I was on the USS New Jersey, I was one of the few female officers, and now almost half of the wardroom is made up of female officers who absolutely crush everything there,” Meyer said .
The crew of every Navy ship must work as a team. On a submarine, it’s mission critical.
“I think anyone who disagrees that women should be in the submarine forces needs to ask themselves why they would think that,” Meyer said. “Is it because they think women aren’t capable? That’s not true. Is it an idea that men can’t behave around women? Because that’s not true. I think that’s an archaic way of thinking.”
New Jersey is the most advanced fast attack submarine in the Navy fleet, capable of carrying a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles and 24 torpedoes.
As the New Jersey heads into sometimes uncertain waters, its captain believes the submariners have given his crew much more than combat skills.
“I learned things from the ladies on the ship,” Halle said. “I think they taught me the most about grace and compassion. Their talent and professionalism is on a par with the rest of the crew.”
Charlie D’Agata
