AUKUS Forum: The USS New Jersey (SSN-796) made waves when it was commissioned — the first submarine in the U.S. Navy’s fleet designed specifically with women in mind. The U.S. Navy lifted the ban on women on submarines back in 2010, retrofitting bathrooms and sleeping quarters to accommodate them. The New Jersey’s crew, however, is historic. “I have about 40 women on board; there’s no other fast attack submarine with that volume of women part of the crew,” said Steven Halle, the commanding officer of the ship’s 135 crew members. He said it feels “great” to be heading up a historic crew, noting, “Studies have shown that a fully integrated diverse crew, they just perform better. Up to 15 or 20% better.”

USS New Jersey

Asked what he thinks accounts for that increased performance, Halle said, “If we have everyone thinking the exact same way, we end up with one school of thought. Having all genders, all races, really brings an additional level of perspective.” As more women join the submarine force, the Navy says they are bringing important capabilities. The New Jersey is the most advanced fast attack submarine in the Navy’s fleet, capable of carrying a payload of a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles and 24 torpedoes.

As the New Jersey heads out into sometimes uncertain waters, its skipper believes the women submariners have brought more than war-fighting skills to his crew.”I’ve learned things from the ladies on the ship,” Halle said. “I think they’ve taught me most, to have grace and compassion. Their talent and their professionalism is matched to the rest of the crew.”