Women selected for submarine training – Should they get a boat with their own crew?

 Officer submarine candidate
training on a periscope

The excerpt from Al L. below was sent to ExNavyNuke.com to post and garner thoughts from the viewers of this blog. 

Eight women selected for submarine training. ONLY of the officer class.

I am trying to get input from as many persons possible on this topic, an Idea of mine.

What is the feasibility of a nuclear sub crew, a sub say of the Virginia class, crewed solely by women, from the commander down to the lowest ranking "seaman"?

Obviously, any concerns about bunking, separate showers, toilets, etc., would no longer exist with an all-female crew.

And the women could do the job, this is do-able? Strength is not an issue, skill is the issue and women are more than competent enough.

The only strength issue might be re-loading the torpedo tubes, and for some time has been done by hoist and mechanical apparatus. Perhaps damage control in time of emergency might require strength?

Any other issues anyone can think of?

Al L.

ExNavyNuke.com thoughts: In my view I think it might work. During my time in boot camp at Orlando Training Center before it was closed down the “K” (all female) companies who went though basic training crushed all of the “C” (all male) and I (Integrated) companies they competed with in regards to inspections, academics, etc. I am sure this efficiency could be duplicated aboard a submarine. 

Care to comment with your thoughts? If you want to learn more check out this video. 

Photo courtesy of http://www.stripes.com

Drills for the worst case scenario

Image of vest used for drill monitors

I recall from my time as nuke doing drills in preparation for Occupational Reactor Safety Exam. (ORSE) These drill sets by and large featured events on the reactor plant which would never happen in real life.

For example, given the design factor of all the materials designed into anything associated with nuke outside of getting hit with a Russian torpedo in the sea of Okhotsk what are the odds of flooding in engine room lower level (ERLL), Reactor Scram, and High Steam Generator chlorides all in the space of one hour. 

Eventually after enough training, debriefs and, in some cases, critiques when one of these casualties occurs underway performing the initial and supplemental action seem pretty routine.  

The reason I mention this is many people feel in the aftermath of the Japan disaster the country was unprepared. Recalling what transpired which included one of the strongest Earthquakes in recorded history, its ensuing tsunami, and lastly the trouble with their nuclear facilities to due to losing the ability to cool the reactor which resulted from the loss of power and infrastructure to operate the plant in a safe manner.

If the Japanese would have drilled against this doomsday scenario in a fashion to our nuclear training would it made a difference?? No one knows. My only wish is that we did not need to ask the question. 

Photo courtesy of http://www.xtremebargins.net