Military Bases in Connecticut
The unofficial guide to living in Connecticut for military families.
Navy Bases
SUBASE New London
Located in Groton, Connecticut
SUBASE New London in Groton, Connecticut, is the U.S. Navy’s primary East Coast submarine base and home to the Navy’s Submarine School. This installation supports a robust fleet of attack submarines, offers on-base housing, and provides access to quality schools and local amenities.
Connecticut’s Submarine Stronghold
Welcome to Connecticut, home to the U.S. Navy’s premier submarine hub, Naval Submarine Base New London. Nestled in Groton along the Thames River, this base drives underwater defense and training. This guide to military bases in Connecticut explores its role, history, economic contributions, and community life, helping U.S. service members and families thrive during PCS or TDY assignments in the Nutmeg State.
A Legacy of Naval Power
The story of Naval Submarine Base New London began in 1868, when Connecticut donated 112 acres for a naval yard. By 1872, the Navy built a pier and two buildings, but growth was slow. In 1916, the arrival of submarines like the G-1 transformed it into the Navy’s first submarine base. World War II expanded the base to nearly 500 acres, housing thousands. The 1954 commissioning of USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, marked a historic milestone. Today, the base remains the “Home of the Submarine Force.”
Boosting the Region
Naval Submarine Base New London powers Connecticut’s economy, contributing hundreds of millions annually. It supports Groton’s businesses, from restaurants to shops, and employs thousands of locals. Service members and families settle into 1,500 housing units, access DoDEA schools, and use the base’s medical clinic. Community events, like 2025 Thames River festivals, connect families to the area’s maritime charm. A new 2024 microgrid ensures reliable power, strengthening the base and region.
Essential Base Facilities
The base hosts critical operations and training. Here’s a look at its vital facilities:
Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton): Homeports 15 attack submarines and supports 70 tenant commands, including 2024 submarine deployments.
Naval Submarine School (Groton): Trains submariners in tactics and survival skills, like escape drills.
Mina Salman Pier (Groton): Docks submarines for maintenance, with a 2025 pier extension underway.
Submarine Force Museum (Groton): Showcases USS Nautilus, a historic landmark.
Strategic Impact
SUBASE New London is the Navy’s submarine capital. It trains thousands of submariners and maintains a fleet of attack submarines, ready for global missions. In 2024, ships like USS Newport News returned from surge deployments, showcasing readiness. The base’s 2024 microgrid launch ensures uninterrupted operations, even during outages. Its role in NORAD and NATO strengthens U.S. defense, with no credible 2024 threats reported.
Community and Culture
The base builds a tight-knit community. Housing, schools, and healthcare keep families grounded. Events like base tours or riverfront festivals spark connection. Explore Groton’s historic villages, stroll New London’s waterfront, or hike nearby trails. From Mystic’s seaport charm to the region’s cider mills, Connecticut’s base blends duty with New England’s cozy allure, making assignments memorable.