It’s hard to believe, but women in the military have never been permitted to serve aboard submarines — until now, that is.
Navy leaders say female sailors will finally begin serving on submarines by the end of next year, with Naval Academy graduates leading the way, reports the Defense Department.
“We think this is a great idea that will enhance our warfighting capabilities,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Mabus has wanted the change since taking office in May. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, endorsed the change, saying in a statement released in September that his experience commanding a mixed-gender ship makes him “very comfortable” integrating women into the submarine force. The Navy changed its policy to allow women to serve on combatant ships in 1993.
“We have a great plan, and we’re ready to go for the first women to come aboard in late 2011,” Roughead told the Senate committee. He said the change would enable the submarine force “to leverage the tremendous talent and potential of our female officers and enlisted personnel.”
Besides the incoming officers from the academy, the first women submariners will include female supply corps officers at the department head level. The change will be phased in over time.
“This initiative has my personal attention, and I will continue to keep you informed as we integrate these highly motivated and capable officers into our submarine force,” Roughead told the committee.
Perhaps it’s time for a remake of The Hunt for Red October?
Photo by cliff1066 via Flickr.