By tradition, sponsors are always women, but are usually wives or daughters of senior military officers or politicians.
Advertisement
It’s an unconventional choice for a sponsor, who christens the ship.
Sandberg has closer ties to the Navy than one might think.
But Sandberg isn’t a complete stranger as far as the Navy is concerned. She has even written a book with that title since them and conducted a number campaigns to help empower women in the workplace.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus chose Sandberg to sponsor the newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS MA.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus picked Sandberg to sponsor the USS MA because of her potential to connect the Navy with the American public, according to Mabus’ spokesman Capt. Patrick McNally.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal noticed that the latest Navy pick for submarine sponsor highlights a new direction into Navy’s future. [Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Fortune]”Expanding the variety of people who serve as sponsors is another avenue to strengthen that connection”, McNally was said to state with regard to Sandberg’s appointment as the sponsor of the USS MA. According to Navy lore, sponsors are said to imbue a ship with their personalities. She’s there because of what she has accomplished.
The Navy tells AP that the move is to better connect with the general American public as Sandberg will be the “public face” of the sub. Sandberg is the first woman to be chosen a sponsor for her achievements rather than for being the wife or partner of a man. The Department of Defense has partnered with the group to launch these circles throughout the military.
In the past, Facebook COO criticized the military for racial and sexual discrimination. This is how other young women could be inspired to opt for a career in tech or science. The Navy had a ban in place on women serving aboard US submarines, which it reportedly abolished in 2010.
Advertisement
This new attack submarine is going to be built in Rhode Island in 2017. It should be completely operational by 2022.
