Re-post in honor of Veterans Day on 11/11/25. This article was originally posted on Blogfinger on 9/17/24.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net.

“The USS New Jersey has officially arrived! USS New Jersey, SSN 796 goes deep in Raritan Bay. What an absolutely unbelievable sight to see this submarine pass Sandy Hook and dock at Earle. Welcome to Middletown!   Photo:  Middletown Mayor Tony Perry”

US Navy photo at Middletown. This new boat joins the Sub Fleet. 2024

Patricia George photo .  Nice job Pat. 2024

Paul,

From Patricia George of OG:    She attended the commissioning ceremony at the Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey.

From the Commanding Officer Steven A Halle:

NEW JERSEY SSN 796, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the VIRGINIA class design is a marvel of technology. One of the most advanced and capable submarines ever built, NEW JERSEY incorporates several improved features such as vertically launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced capability torpedoes, cutting edge combat control and sonar systems, and an integrated communications and information processing system.

It also is the first fully gender- integrated sub for men and women. It has more doors, wash rooms, separate sleeping and bathing areas for the coed crew.

Currently the US Navy has 60,000 women of which 730 are submariners.

Blogfinger notes:  SSN796: the N means nuclear.  All Navy subs are now nuclear.  Currently there are 49 subs in the fleet. They each have 2 crews. (“blue” and “gold”).   In the sub there is no smoking, no cell phones, and no alcohol.  There is no toilet paper in the sub.  There are salt water bidets.  The subs rarely surface.