USS New Jersey Gender Neutral Submarine

Summary

The USS New Jersey, the US Navy's first co-ed Virginia-class submarine, has been commissioned, featuring innovative designs for both male and female crew members. With modern upgrades for enhanced combat capabilities and improved living conditions, the submarine aims to foster inclusivity. The video also highlights concerns regarding US infrastructure security, particularly following a cyber attack on American Water Company, which exposes vulnerabilities in the power grid and water supply systems. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for updated cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from increasing cyber threats.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The USS New Jersey is the newest Virginia-class submarine, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. Navy's fleet.
• 👩‍✈️ It is the first co-ed submarine designed to accommodate both male and female sailors, featuring improved privacy and comfort.
• 🛠️ The Block 4 upgrades include enhanced combat capabilities and reduced maintenance costs, allowing for increased time at sea.
• 🎉 The commissioning of the USS New Jersey highlights the Navy's commitment to inclusivity and modernization.
• 📰 Media coverage of the submarine's commissioning varies across the political spectrum, with differing perspectives on gender integration.
• 🔐 Recent cyber attacks, including one on the American Water Company, reveal significant vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure.
• 💧 The American Water Company provides clean water services to 14 states and has been impacted by cybersecurity threats.
• 🔍 There are concerns about the lack of recent updates to cybersecurity protocols in critical infrastructure like water and power systems.
• ⚠️ The U.S. relies on multiple agencies to oversee cybersecurity for water and energy sectors, but challenges remain in implementation.
• 📈 Continuous improvements and adaptations are essential for national security in both military and civilian contexts.

Q & A

What is the significance of the USS New Jersey being commissioned as a co-ed submarine?

The USS New Jersey is the first co-ed submarine in U.S. Navy history, marking a significant step toward inclusivity in the military by accommodating both male and female sailors.

What upgrades does the USS New Jersey include compared to previous classes?

The USS New Jersey features combat and sensor upgrades from the Block III submarines, along with advancements aimed at reducing maintenance costs and improving operational endurance.

How do media outlets differ in their coverage of the USS New Jersey's commissioning?

Media coverage varies across the political spectrum, with right-leaning outlets focusing on practical benefits and recruitment issues, while left-leaning sources emphasize gender inclusion and historical significance.

What are some of the specific features designed for the comfort of co-ed crews on the USS New Jersey?

The submarine includes features such as increased privacy in washrooms and sleeping areas, communal gathering spaces, double king-size bunks, and amenities like saunas and a bathing pool.

What recent cyber attack was highlighted in the video, and what infrastructure did it affect?

The video highlighted a cyber attack on the American Water Company, which provides clean water services for 14 states and 18 military facilities, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

What federal agencies are responsible for ensuring the cybersecurity of water and power infrastructure?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responsible for guiding and enforcing cybersecurity standards for water and power infrastructures.

What issues were raised regarding the security updates for the U.S. water infrastructure?

The video noted that there had not been an approved update for the water infrastructure's cybersecurity in over four years, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to cyber attacks.

What were some concerns raised about the lack of privacy for female sailors in traditional submarines?

Concerns included inadequate living quarters that did not accommodate female psychology and a distinct lack of privacy, which has been addressed in the design of the USS New Jersey.

Why is it important for private companies to enhance cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure?

Private companies can implement updated cybersecurity measures and frameworks that ensure uniform protection across all facilities, reducing the risk of widespread vulnerabilities as highlighted by recent attacks.

What was the context of the discussion around cyber vulnerabilities presented at the defense technology summit?

At the summit, industry experts discussed the lack of updates and responsibilities among federal agencies for cybersecurity, highlighting the urgent need for improvements to protect critical infrastructure from potential attacks.