In submarine news from this week:
1) Secretary Mabus
announced that, as part of the review of the role of women in service, the first women who will serve on Virginia-class SSNs have been identified:
I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia Class submarines (SSNs). Three years ago we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in guided-missile attack (SSGNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and this is a planned continuation of that effort. Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for assignment to Virginia Class submarines upon successful completion of the Naval Nuclear Powered training pipeline. We expect these officers, along with female Supply Corps Officers, to report to their submarines in FY15. We also plan to include female enlisted Sailors in this process. The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration and I am proud we have achieved another important milestone during my tenure as Secretary.
Left unsaid is where exactly on the boat they'll be berthing.
2) The DoD
announced that Rear Admiral Hilarides, former PEO Submarines, will be getting a bump to VADM to go along with his new assignment as head of NAVSEA.
I note that he had the rare-but-effective "Flag LT/Detailer" Daily Double for his
post-JO/post-DH shore tours. I always wondered how exactly one got lucky like that. (Actually, I don't wonder at all; it's fairly obvious.)
3) My old boat
Topeka was
forced to participate in a PR stunt to make it look like they're happy to be in the yards. Sucks to be them.
Read the complete post at http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2013/01/whats-new-this-week.html
Posted
Jan 25 2013, 08:11 AM
by
The Stupid Shall Be Punished