"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
20 Apr 2017
US Navy submarines will undergo certain modifications to suit the requirement and needs of women crew members. They have originally been designed with the height, reach and strength of men in mind, from the way valves are placed to how display screens are angled.
Now, with increasing number of women on board defence contractor Electric Boat is remodeling the submarines by adding more doors and washrooms to create separate sleeping and bathing areas for men and women and to give them more privacy.
Some overhead valves are being lowered so that they would be easier to turn, steps will be installed in front of the triple-high bunk beds and stacked laundry machines for the convenience of the women crew. The first vessel in which the new features will be incorporated is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2021.
In 2010, the Navy lifted its ban on women on submarines. Currently, about 80 female officers and around 50 enlisted women are serving on submarines and the number is expected to climb into hundreds in a few years.
One of the first woman to serve on a submarine, Lt. Marquette Leveque, who is five-foot-six said that she didn’t have any trouble reaching valves and other equipment but that the changes will be of great help for shorter crewmates.
