Sea change as women join France's nuclear sub fleet

ILE LONGUE, France - Drinking a bowl of seawater followed by a glass of champagne, four French officers stood out during the traditional "baptism" to mark their inaugural submarine patrol: the first women to join a crew in the country's nuclear-powered fleet.

"I'm proud to have become part of the submarine family," said Harmonie, a 27-year-old security specialist on Le Vigilant, after returning from her first 10-week mission on the sub.

"I'm ready to go out again," she added.