Women to serve aboard Russian naval ships for first time ever

For the first time ever, female sailors in Russia will be able to serve aboard naval vessels, says the country's high military command. The reform is expected to take place sometime within the next three years.

By 2018, the Russian fleet will introduce new ships equipped to provide “appropriate living conditions” for female sailors.

The reforms will affect the Navy’s helicopter-carrying amphibious assault ships, its advanced combat units, and auxiliary vessels. The first women to serve on active ships are expected to be medical staff, communications experts, and logistics specialists.

There are no current or future plans to put women in submarines, the Navy has said.

“By 2018, women will be able to serve aboard the Navy’s surface vessels. It’s our hope that new ships will be constructed and operational by this time, providing women with appropriate living conditions,” said the Russian Navy’s General Staff.

Interfax

• In many navies throughout the world, women are permitted to serve aboard surface ships. In several countries, including the United States and Great Britain, authorities are considering lifting restrictions that prevent women from being assigned to submarines.
• Throughout the history of the Tsarist Empire, the Soviet Union, and the modern-day Russian Federation, women have never been allowed to serve aboard naval vessels. Even during World War II, no exceptions were made.