Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Navy has commissioned its latest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, USS New Jersey (SSN-796), in a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey.

-This submarine is the third Navy vessel named after the Garden State, following the renowned Iowa-class battleship BB-62.

-Notably, the USS New Jersey is the first fully gender-integrated fast-attack submarine, with special modifications to its living quarters to accommodate its crew, including 29 female sailors. Commanding Officer Steve Hall emphasized the crew's diversity and professionalism.

-The submarine carries the legacy of BB-62, the most decorated warship in Navy history, and has been nicknamed "Jersey Girl" with memorabilia from the state adorning its interior.

USS New Jersey (SSN-796): Navy's First Gender-Integrated Submarine Sets Sail

On Saturday, the United States Navy held the commissioning ceremony for its last Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS New Jersey (SSN-796). The event held at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey, honored the third U.S. Navy vessel named for the Garden State – including the Iowa-class battleship (BB-62), which is now preserved as a museum ship in Camden. 

"To the crew, the plank owners, this ceremony… is about you," said Commander Steve Hall, commanding officer of USS New Jersey, adding, "You operate the most complex platform on the planet and you continuously strive for excellence. I'm amazed and humbled at what we have accomplished."

The USS New Jersey may be the third vessel to honor the state, but it is also unique in that it is the first fully gender-integrated fast-attack submarine. The U.S. Navy lifted the ban on women in submarines in 2010, but there have been concerns that the living quarters on the fast-attack boats would be an issue. The sea service has sought to address the issues, including providing additional privacy in the showers and longer stalls in the washrooms on the 377-foot-long submarines.

In addition, overhead valves were redesigned with the height and reach to accommodate women sailors.

"Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity," Halle continued. "We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us."

USS New Jersey, as with other Virginia-class boats, will have a crew of around 131 officers and sailors. Twenty-nine of the sailors are women.

Big Shoes to Fill

SSN-796 will have big shoes to fill when it comes to honoring New Jersey, as BB-62 – fittingly known as the Big-J – has the distinction of being the most decorated warship in U.S. Navy history, seeing service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while also being returned to service in the 1980s as part of President Ronald Reagan's effort to build a 600-ship strong fleet.

However, Halle made clear that the boat and her crew would strive to honor the legacy of BB-62 and those who served on the battleship.

"I know that the legacy we have inherited from the state of New Jersey and BB-62 will carry forward in our pursuit of greatness," said Halle. "Today, we commissioned our ship, and she is the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date."

USS New Jersey has earned the unofficial nickname "Jersey Girl," and according to a report from the Asbury Park Press, the submarine has been decorated with items from the Garden State, including posters from Rutgers University, memorabilia from the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and even a guitar signed and gifted by Jon Bon Jovi.

There was even discussion to make the "communal eating area look like a New Jersey diner," the outlet reported.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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