USS Ohio Among Four Navy Subs Getting Female Officers: Ship's Skipper Was Fired Last Month

Ladies Joining USS Ohio Crew

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The nuclear submarine named for the State of Ohio has been picked to end a tradition as old as the undersea service -- that women can't serve aboard subs due to cramped quarters with male crews.  The thinking was: There is no room for separate bunks and bathrooms, curlers and makeup, bras and panties.  And birds and bees.  But the orders have come down -- make space.  The Navy made the announcement that the Ohio would get three female officers today, a month after the Ohio's captain was relieved of command for "inappropriate personal behavior." Apparently, 56-year-old Capt. Ronald Murray Gero had his mind on a woman other than his wife. Some of his fellow shipmates thought the 36-year veteran was distracted -- he had been an outstanding officer. Here's full text of the Navy's press release about the subs picked to have women in their crews:

"KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and USS Maine (SSBN 741) and USS Ohio (SSGN 726) homeported in Bangor, Wash., are the initial four submarines that have been selected to integrate female officers into their crews.  The blue and gold crews of the four submarines will each be assigned three female officers.

"Two of the women will be submarine officers, and the third female officer will be a warfare qualified supply officer.  They will be assigned to their first submarine duty station after completing training, which consists of nuclear power school, prototype training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course. They are expected to report to their assigned submarines beginning December 2011."