Submarine Base New London
Posted by: 
icenav
N 41° 23.260 W 072° 05.167
18T E 743633 N 4585891
Quick Description: On the east bank of the Thames River near Groton, CT, New London Naval Submarine Base was the birthplace of the submarine force.
Location: Connecticut, United States
Date Posted: 5/11/2007 6:35:24 AM
Waymark Code: WM1HD3
Views: 115
Long Description:It was originally a Navy yard, converted to a submarine base in
1916, and greatly expanded in World War II. The advent of nuclear
power required an improvement in training and support facilities.
By 1959, New London had become the largest submarine base in the
world with 8,210 active personnel. In 1969, the base also took on
logistical and training responsibilities for fleet ballistic
missile submarines. In 1974, the Naval Submarine Support Activity
was established. By 1979, the base supported the new Los Angeles
and Ohio class submarines. Major units included Supervisor of
Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, and Naval Submarine Support
Facility. The base was recommended for closure by the DoD in the
2005 BRAC Recommendations.
In 1868, Connecticut gave the Navy land and, in 1872, two brick
buildings and a "T" shaped pier were built and officially declared
a Navy Yard. This new yard was primarily used as a coaling station
by Atlantic Fleet small craft. On October 13,1915, the monitor
Ozark, A tender, and 4 submarines that accompanied her arrived at
SUBASE. Future submarines and tenders followed and in 1916 the Navy
established it as a submarine base. Following World War I the Navy
established schools and training facilities at SUBASE.
Today the Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE NLON) is
located on the east side of Thames River in Groton CT. All
submariners in today's Navy will be stationed here for training and
perhaps a tour onboard a fast attack submarine or with a
pre-commissioning crew while their new submarine is under
construction. SUBASE NLON is home to more than 40 tenant commands
including the submarines and crews of Submarine Group TWO, the
faculty and students of the Submarine School, and the Naval
Submarine Support Facility (NSSF).
The base supports twenty one attack submarines and the Navy's
nuclear research deep submersible NR-1. The base occupies
approximately 500 acres and has over 400 buildings, with the
housing and support facilities for 10,000 active duty and civilian
workers and their families.
