The Navy is seriously considering placing women in submarine crews and from what I just read its not a matter of if but when. You can take it from the man who produces custom US Navy rings the time is coming soon.
There are several problems that the Navy has to address before this action can be completed. Some of them concern space requirements, fraternization, hygiene and sanitation, and the refitting of submarines to accomodate women sailors along side of the men.
The silent service has been all male since its inception and there will be a lot of growing pains as women begin to infiltrate. There is very little privacy aboard submarines and take it from me men who are locked up together for long periods of time can start to become a little screwy. The guys are going to have to remember that there will be ladies on board.
The first women submariners will probably be assigned to ballistic missile subs because they are less cramped for space and can be more easily changed to accomodate the women.
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