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The United States will officially roll out its first submarine built to support mixed-gender crews.

Let’s bring you up to speed: For many years, submarine crews were composed solely of men, primarily due to the challenges of providing separate living spaces in confined quarters aboard submarines. However, in 2010, the US Navy lifted the restriction on women serving in these roles, and since then, women have been gradually integrated into submarine crews with temporary modifications.

What’s happening now: Next week, the USS New Jersey will officially be commissioned, becoming the first submarine explicitly built to accommodate both men and women. This marks a significant step forward in mixed-gender integration. Design enhancements include separate bathrooms, showers, and sleeping areas for men and women. In addition, the sub has improved ergonomics, such as lowering overhead valves and adding steps to make tasks easier for all sailors.  

More to come: Over the next decade, the US plans to introduce more submarines designed for mixed crews. By 2030, the Navy’s goal is to have women serving as officers on 33 submarine crews and female enlisted sailors on 14 crews.

More on the USS New Jersey: The USS New Jersey, a $3.45 billion Virginia-class attack submarine, is the newest member of the US Navy’s fleet. With cutting-edge stealth, advanced sonar, and missile systems, it’s built to take on a variety of missions, from surveillance to long-range strikes. The submarine will be home to around 132 crew members, including roughly 15 officers and 117 enlisted sailors.