Webb Statement on Navy Policy on Subs

Virginia Politics Notebook · Augusta Free Press · Link to Article

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb issued the following statement on the U.S. Navy policy to allow women to serve on submarines. Webb, who chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, is a former Secretary of the Navy.

"I welcome today's news that the Navy will adopt a new policy to allow women to serve on submarines. The decision follows thorough internal deliberations, and falls in line with the military's long-standing policy goal of expanding the number of assignments available to women."

As Secretary of the Navy in 1987, Jim Webb opened up more billets to women than any secretary of the Navy in history. He convened a special study group, reporting back to him through the Navy's uniformed leadership, that conducted a thorough examination of the Navy's assignment policies and other issues. His approval of the study group's recommendations led to a large expansion in the number of sea-going billets available to women officers and enlisted personnel.