Navy to lift ban on woman serving aboard submarines

The navy will soon allow female sailors to serve aboard submarines in a continued effort to reduce barriers for woman in the military.

Pentagon notified Congress of its intent Monday to allow nearly 50,000 woman serve aboard submarines, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

After the 30-day notification period is served, the Navy can begin integration of its 70-odd submarines, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he would like to see woman in the military have broader opportunities in service, the Washington Post reported.

During the 1990's the ban against female service on surface combat ships and combat aircraft was lifted, but the ban on submarines remained, the Washington Post reported.

Adm. Gary Roughead, the chief of naval operations, said he is very comfortable integrating woman, but there will have to be issues of living space, and retention rates that will have to be worked through, the Washington Post reported.