1990 to Today: Increasing Equality
Women currently make up about 15 percent of the U.S. Navy. In 2010, women were permitted to serve on submarines, making them now eligible to serve in all ratings, except as SEALs or Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen.
Today, women account for more than 16 percent of the workforce at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS & IMF). Beginning in the 1990s, more than a quarter of the apprentice applicants have been women and the number continues to grow.
Women continue to achieve significant "firsts" in their fields. At PSNS & IMF, the 1990s included such milestones as the first woman to dock a Nimitz-class carrier, the first female superintendent, and the first female firefighter, to name a few. The 21st century promises to include even greater representation of women in all areas of PSNS & IMF.
The Tailhook Scandal
The Tailhook Scandal, which occurred during the 1991 Tailhook Association Meeting, was a turning point for military and civilian women in the U.S. Navy. The scandal unfolded when more than 100 male U.S. Navy and Marine officers were accused of engaging in "improper and indecent conduct" against 83 women and 7 men. The U.S. Navy learned from the scandal and increased sexual harassment awareness as well as diversity and sensitivity training for all military and civilian staff.
PSNS & IMF offers a strong support system for its employees. Groups like the Professional Women's Employee Networking Group and the Women in Trades (WIT) organization currently devote themselves to the hiring, retention, and development of professional women and provide support for both men and women in non-traditional careers.
700 rigger from Apprentice Class, 1998.
Welder instructor with trainees, c. 2000.
