Two attack submarines based in Groton will be the first Virginia-class vessels to carry female crew members, the Navy announced this week.
The USS Virginia and USS Minnesota, both housed at Naval Submarine Base New London, will integrate six female crew members by the start of 2015, the Navy said.
The Navy changed its policy prohibiting women from serving on submarines in 2010. Since then, 43 women have served aboard six Ohio-class submarines.
The Navy will select two more submarines ported in Hawaii early next year.
“Further integrating women into our submarine force is a welcome step forward and will ensure that the Navy can continue to maximize the skill and talent of all those seeking to serve our country,” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said in a statement.
