The Navy may end its policy that bars women from serving on submarines. According to wire and news reports in mid-September, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen expressed his support for the change in written testimony he submitted to Capitol Hill on Sept. 25. Mullen’s opinion has drawn support from other senior officials. "I am very comfortable integrating women into the submarine force," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus also said he agreed with the possible change. While women have long served on surface-fleet vessels, submarines were not included because of privacy concerns associated with their tight quarters.
