Women in Submarines: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective

The United States Navy has historically been male-dominated, but with the integration of women, significant changes have taken place. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made to accommodate female submariners, addressing both operational challenges and policy reforms.

First Female Submariner Qualifications

The integration of women into the submarine service was marked by notable milestones. On June 22, 2012, Lieutenant Brita Christiansen became the first woman qualified as a submarine officer in USS Ohio (SSGN 726). This was followed by the historic achievement of Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra on August 9, 2016, when she became the first female enlisted sailor to earn her submarine qualification in USS Michigan (SSGN 727).

These milestones were significant for the Navy, demonstrating that women could not only serve but also perform specialized roles within the submarine corps. These pioneering individuals set the stage for further integration and acceptance of women in the submarine service.

Broader Integration Efforts

The transition to integrating women in submarines was not without challenges, as highlighted by several incidents. For example, in 2016, the first enlisted female sailor to receive a submarine qualification faced criticism and scrutiny. Chief Petty Officer Dominique Saavedra’s achievement, celebrated and praised, was met with detractors who questioned her suitability, as captured in a sarcastic headline: "Thank God she is ugly."

However, these incidents did not deter the Navy from making significant strides. Starting in 2017, the Navy began redesigning submarines to accommodate female crew members. This involved adding more doors, bathrooms, and other facilities to create separate sleeping and bathing areas for men and women. The goal was to ensure that women could serve alongside men without compromising their comfort or safety.

Policy and Operational Challenges

Integrating women into submarines also brought new policy and operational challenges. One such challenge was the issue of fraternization, which was addressed in a notable case involving Lieutenant Rebecca Edwards. In April 2017, she was fired for having sex with the submarine commander, Stuart Armstrong, while they were heading to the U.S. to install new Trident nuclear warheads. Such incidents highlight the delicate balance between maintaining discipline and ensuring the integrity of the submarine mission.

Another incident involved the USS Florida, where a controversial list was created ranking female crew members based on their appearance and sexuality. This list, known as the "rape list," was created in 2019 and caused significant controversy. The incident led to the firing of several high-ranking officers, including the commanding officer, Capt. Gregory Kercher.

This list was discovered when a sailor printed it and gave it to a female petty officer. It included between one and four asterisks next to every female crewmember's name and contained sexually explicit comments. The incident underscored the cultural and social challenges in integrating women into traditionally male-dominated environments.

Future Outlook

While the challenges have been significant, the future for women in submarines looks promising. The Navy continues to make efforts to create more inclusive and supportive environments. This includes technology solutions such as improved communication tools, physical accommodations, and robust training programs designed to address the unique needs of a mixed-gender crew.

The integration of women into submarines not only broadens the talent pool for the Navy but also enhances diversity and strengthens the overall resilience of the force. As the Navy continues to invest in these areas, the path to full integration of women into the submarine service will become more solid and secure.