The USS New Jersey caused a stir when it was commissioned – the first submarine in the US Navy fleet designed specifically with women in mind.
This is Machinist Mate Kiana Gonzalez's first submarine.
“I'm the first woman to qualify as an engine room supervisor on this boat,” she told CBS News.
She's hoping for a promotion, seeing as she's next in line to be put in charge of her division.
The Navy lifted the ban on women on submarines in 2010, renovating bathrooms and bedrooms to accommodate them. However, New Jersey's squad is historic.
“I have about 40 women on board, there is no other fast attack submarine with that many women on the crew,” said Steven Halle, commanding officer of the ship's 135 crew members.
Leading a historic team feels “pretty good”, he said, adding, “Studies have shown that fully integrated diverse teams, they perform better. By 15 or 20% better.”
Asked what she thinks accounts for that increased exposure, Halle said, “If we have everyone thinking the same way, we end up with the same ideology. Of all genders, of all races. “Being, really brings an extra level of perspective.”
As more women join the submarine force, the Navy says they are bringing important capabilities.
“Integration is not only important for problem-solving, it is a warfighting requirement,” said Lt. Victoria Meyer, the Navy's women's submarine coordinator.
“When I was on the USS New Jersey, I was one of the few female officers, and now almost half the wardroom is female officers, which is totally killing it,” Meyer said.
The crew of every naval ship has to work as a team. On a submarine, this is mission critical.
“I think anyone who doesn't agree that women should be in the submarine force has to ask themselves why they would even think about it,” Meyer said. “Is it because they have a perception that women are not capable? That's not true. Is there a perception that men can't deal with women? Because that's not true. I think that's an archaic way of thinking. Is.”
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 ventures into sometimes uncertain waters, her captain believes the female submariner brings more than just war-fighting skills to her crew.
“I learned things from the women on the ship,” Haley said. “I think what he taught me most was to have grace and compassion. His talent and his professionalism matches the rest of the crew.”
