The USS New Jersey, the US Navy’s new Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine, was commissioned during an official ceremony held at the Earle Naval Base.

Particular emphasis was placed on the symbolic value of the submarine because it was named after the legendary battleship USS Virginia, which served in the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while at the same time it is the first fully “gender-inclusive” submarine in the history of the US Navy.

Indicative is the fact that its commander described it as “Jersey Girl,” while, as US Navy officers stated, it is the first fully “inclusive” submarine after implementing the “gender inclusivity” policy. 

This policy has been in place since 2010, and women staff some submarines; however, in the case of the USS New Jersey, from the first phase of the design and construction of the ship, emphasis was placed on the women who will serve, so that they have specially designed areas in the bathrooms and berths to protect their privacy.

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According to information, about 29 women will serve on the USS New Jersey, while the crew will consist of a total of 131 people. The nuclear-powered attack submarine has a length of 115 meters, a displacement of 7,800 tons, a maximum speed of 25 knots, can stay under the sea surface for 3 months, and can dive up to 245 meters deep.

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It is worth noting that the USS New Jersey is part of the Block IV version of the Virginia-class submarines, which can carry up to twenty-six Mark 48 mod 6 heavy torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles while still incorporating two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes, each of which can launch six Tomahawk missiles.

They also have the capability to operate in both brown and blue waters and conduct anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface attacks, land-based attacks, and special forces support missions. Finally, they have the ability to carry out missions of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, unconventional, and mine warfare.

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