Women are a big step closer to serving on U.S. Navy submarines. ABC News has learned that the Navy has decided to lift the ban on female submarine crew members. Subs are one of the last places in the military from which women are excluded.

The only potential roadblock remaining is for both house of Congress to pass legislation specifically barring the policy change during the 30 working day window for congressional comment that began Monday.

A Defense Department official tells ABC News that the civilian Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, support lifting the ban. Defense Secretary Robert Gates signed a letter last Friday notifying Congress of the Navy's policy change. The 30-day window for congressional comment began when Gates' letter was delivered to Capitol Hill.

Through a spokesperson, Mabus said he "believes it's a great idea and the right thing to do. He fully supports the assignment of women to submarines."

"The Secretary supports the Navy decision," said Geoff Morrell, Gates' spokesman.

"The Chairman fully supports it," said Capt. John Kirby, spokesman for Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

But even if Congress goes along, it will be at least a year and a half before a woman is able to serve on a U.S. submarine. The Navy plans to phase women onto submarine crews gradually, and the first to serve will be officers. Submarine officers must complete more than a year of "nuclear school" before being assigned to a "boat." (Emphasis added)

More . . .

"

===================================

I was unaware that women now can not serve on submarines.

I agree with the phased approach and I agree with introducing officers first.