x
Breaking News
More () »

Girls in STEM | Women serving on submarines in the United States Navy

Enlisted women have only been allowed to serve on Navy subs since 2016. One seaman serving on the U.S.S. Ohio is making the most of her opportunity.

The U.S.S. Ohio is the largest sub in the Navy's fleet at almost 2 football fields long.

At one time, it carried nuclear ballistic missiles. Now it's a guided missile sub.

19-year-old Seaman Madison Glass is one of about 20 women on board out of a crew of 160. No one is assigned to serve on a submarine in the U.S. Navy. You volunteer and are accepted if you meet physical and mental requirements.

Enlisted women have only been allowed to serve on Navy subs since 2016 and Seaman Glass is making the most of her opportunity.

"I just think it's super cool," she says with a smile. "I know that sounds nerdy. It's just the science behind how we operate and do what we do is interesting to me."

Seaman Glass is a sonar technician, listening to the sounds of the ocean.

"I can tell from our surroundings how close and how far contacts are, from targets and other boats and the landscape under the water, to mountain ranges and crevices. It sounds like white noise until you hear a contact. like a merchant, a big freighter, you can hear how loud it is, how big it is," Seaman Glass explains. "You can hear animals. A shrimp sounds like little snapping, whales they sound like whales what you'd expect whales to sound, and some fish sound like they're screaming."

The sub can stay underwater for months. They make their own power, their own air, their own water. The only thing they occasionally stop for is food.

The thing that has surprised me was I thought the inside of the submarine was going to be like super cramped," says Seaman Glass. "I thought I wasn't going to be able to move and have my own space, but actually it's pretty roomy."

Seaman Glass says even though women are way outnumbered on the sub, she gets nothing but respect from the men she works alongside.

"If you can do your job, it doesn't matter if I'm a girl or not," Seaman Glass explains. "I love my crew, I love my boat, and I love my job."

As far as advice to pass along to young girls who want to follow in her footsteps, Seaman Glass says she "would tell a young girl you know you're just as capable, you're very smart. I can say that I've done a lot already and i can't wait to experience the rest."

CLICK HERE to see our special "Girls in STEM" section.

Do you know any STEM stories you want to share with us? CLICK HERE to send us your STEM tip.

Before You Leave, Check This Out