Located in Groton, Connecticut, Naval Submarine Base New London is a major United States Navy base that serves as the primary homeport for the Navy's submarine fleet on the East Coast. The base, which was established in 1868, has a rich history dating back to the American Civil War and has played a significant role in the development of the U.S. Navy's submarine program. Today, Naval Submarine Base New London is one of the largest and most advanced submarine bases in the world, supporting a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines and providing training and maintenance facilities for the Navy's submarine crews.
History of Naval Submarine Base New London
The history of Naval Submarine Base New London dates back to the American Civil War, when the U.S. Navy established a small shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, to support the construction of ironclad warships. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the base underwent significant expansion, with the establishment of a submarine base and the construction of new facilities, including dry docks, piers, and administrative buildings. During World War I and World War II, Naval Submarine Base New London played a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s submarine program, supporting the deployment of submarines to the European and Pacific theaters. In the post-war period, the base continued to expand and modernize, with the introduction of new technologies, including nuclear power, and the development of advanced submarine designs.
Facilities and Operations
Naval Submarine Base New London is a major industrial and military complex, covering an area of over 500 acres and employing over 10,000 personnel, including sailors, officers, and civilian workers. The base is home to a range of facilities, including dry docks, piers, and maintenance shops, as well as administrative buildings, barracks, and support facilities. The base is also home to a number of tenant commands, including Submarine Group 2, the Naval Submarine School, and the Submarine Force Library and Museum. In terms of operations, Naval Submarine Base New London supports a range of activities, including submarine maintenance and repair, training and education, and research and development.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry Dock 1 | A 500-foot dry dock used for submarine maintenance and repair |
| Pier 12 | A 1,000-foot pier used for submarine berthing and support |
| Naval Submarine School | A training facility that provides instruction in submarine operations and maintenance |
Submarine Fleet
Naval Submarine Base New London is home to a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines, including the Virginia-class and Los Angeles-class submarines. These submarines are among the most advanced in the world, featuring state-of-the-art sensors, weapons systems, and propulsion technology. The submarines are crewed by highly trained personnel, who undergo rigorous training and education programs at the Naval Submarine School and other facilities on the base. The submarine fleet is supported by a range of shore-based facilities, including maintenance shops, supply depots, and administrative buildings.
Training and Education
Training and education are critical components of the Navy’s submarine program, and Naval Submarine Base New London is home to a range of facilities and programs that support the training and development of submarine crews. The Naval Submarine School, which is located on the base, provides instruction in submarine operations, maintenance, and repair, as well as leadership and management training for officers and enlisted personnel. The base is also home to a number of simulator facilities, which provide realistic training environments for submarine crews to practice and develop their skills.
The following are some of the key training programs and facilities available at Naval Submarine Base New London:
- Naval Submarine School: Provides instruction in submarine operations, maintenance, and repair
- Submarine Officer Basic Course: Provides training for new submarine officers
- Enlisted Submarine Training: Provides training for enlisted personnel in submarine operations and maintenance
- Simulator Facilities: Provide realistic training environments for submarine crews to practice and develop their skills
What is the history of Naval Submarine Base New London?
+Naval Submarine Base New London was established in 1868 and has a rich history dating back to the American Civil War. The base has played a significant role in the development of the U.S. Navy’s submarine program and has supported the deployment of submarines to the European and Pacific theaters during World War I and World War II.
What facilities and operations are available at Naval Submarine Base New London?
+Naval Submarine Base New London is a major industrial and military complex, covering an area of over 500 acres and employing over 10,000 personnel. The base is home to a range of facilities, including dry docks, piers, and maintenance shops, as well as administrative buildings, barracks, and support facilities. The base supports a range of activities, including submarine maintenance and repair, training and education, and research and development.
What types of submarines are based at Naval Submarine Base New London?
+Naval Submarine Base New London is home to a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines, including the Virginia-class and Los Angeles-class submarines. These submarines are among the most advanced in the world, featuring state-of-the-art sensors, weapons systems, and propulsion technology.
