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While the commissioning of a coed submarine is being heralded as a breakthrough in promoting diversity, many are left wondering: Does this inclusion strengthen our military forces or detract from its core mission? In a time when global tensions are high, and the threat of conflicts like World War III looms, military focus and readiness remain top concerns.
The narrator in the Navy’s video further emphasized the vessel’s broader significance, calling it a symbol of progress: “USS New Jersey isn’t just a powerhouse beneath the waves. It’s a symbol of progress, breaking barriers as it protects our shores.” The video closes with a bold declaration: “The future of naval warfare starts here, and it’s more inclusive, stronger, and more capable than ever.”
Yet, despite the celebratory tone, not all are convinced that inclusivity equates to greater strength. Critics have voiced concerns that the push for DEI within the military could overshadow the need for competence and preparedness. As one female Naval officer notes in the video, “New Jersey is representative of the future of the Submarine Force, and integrating this boat is a long time coming,” adding that it’s an honor to be part of this historic chapter.
Another female sailor highlighted how this integration reflects the Navy’s forward-thinking approach: “This is really the first time that the Navy is truly planning for the future regarding manning and taking advantage of the entire population for finding those rare humans that can be and should be submariners.”
The modifications aboard the USS New Jersey are tailored to accommodate both male and female crew members, including separate sleeping quarters and washrooms. The ship also features adjustments such as lower overhead valves, steps in front of bunk beds, and tall laundry machines, reflecting the Navy’s effort to make the environment more navigable for women. According to Stars and Stripes, these changes come as part of a broader push to accommodate the growing number of women in the Navy’s Submarine Force.
NBC News reported on these adjustments, stating, “Modifications aboard the ship included more doors and washrooms to install separated sleeping and bathing areas for the coed crew.” The report further notes that “other modifications include lowering overhead valves and making them easier to turn, and installing steps in front of triple-high bunk beds and stacked laundry machines.”
The Navy has seen a sharp rise in the number of female officers and enlisted sailors in the Submarine Force, with the number of female officers doubling and enlisted submariners tripling over the past five years, according to Stars and Stripes. Currently, more than 60,000 women serve in the U.S. Navy, with 730 women assigned to operational submarines as of August.
While many applaud the Navy’s efforts to diversify its ranks and accommodate more women, others question whether these efforts come at the expense of readiness for high-stakes military conflict. As the world continues to face volatile geopolitical challenges, the debate surrounding the role of DEI in the military is likely to intensify. Can the U.S. Navy balance inclusivity with the vital task of maintaining a fighting force capable of defending the nation against looming threats? Only time will tell as this historic experiment in diversity unfolds under the waters aboard the USS New Jersey.
