Military Bases in Maine
Helping military families thrive in Maine.
Navy Bases
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Located in Kittery, Maine
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine is a historic U.S. Navy installation specializing in submarine overhaul and repair. Known for its skilled workforce and advanced facilities, the base supports both on-base and off-base housing options, with access to quality schools and New England amenities.
Maine’s Naval Shipbuilding Legacy
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Maine, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery stands as the state’s premier military installation, renowned for its submarine overhaul and modernization. Located on Seavey Island at the Piscataqua River’s mouth, this historic Navy base drives Maine’s military presence. This guide to military bases in Maine offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Pine Tree State.
Historical Foundations
Maine’s military history is anchored by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established on June 12, 1800, during President John Adams’ administration, making it the Navy’s oldest continuously operating shipyard. The yard launched its first warship, the USS Washington, in 1815, and by World War I, it began constructing submarines, with over 70 built during WWII, including a record four launched in one day. The USS Albacore, built in 1953, revolutionized submarine design with its teardrop hull. Today, PNS focuses on overhauling Los Angeles and Virginia-class nuclear submarines, maintaining its legacy of naval excellence.
Economic Impact
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard contributes over $1 billion annually to southern Maine and New Hampshire, employing nearly 8,000 civilian and 200 military personnel. Spanning 297 acres, the shipyard generates 6,500 jobs in Kittery and nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire, supporting local businesses through contracts and wages. Families access 300 on-base housing units via Balfour Beatty Communities, local schools, and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Kittery coastal hikes and Portland art festivals, enhance community life. Additional Guard and Coast Guard facilities add $100 million and 1,000 jobs, boosting Maine’s economy.
Key Military Facilities
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery): Managed by Naval Sea Systems Command, it overhauls and modernizes nuclear submarines, employing 8,000 personnel across 297 acres.
Bangor Air National Guard Base (Bangor): Hosts the 101st Air Refueling Wing, operating KC-135 Stratotankers for in-flight refueling, with 1,000 personnel.
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England (South Portland): Oversees maritime safety across 1,000 miles of Maine’s coast, with 500 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a cornerstone of U.S. naval defense, overhauling 10–12 submarines annually, including Los Angeles and Virginia-class vessels, ensuring 30% of the Navy’s nuclear attack submarine fleet remains mission-ready. Its 2024 infrastructure upgrades, including a $1.73 billion dry dock expansion, enhance repair efficiency for Virginia-class submarines. Bangor Air National Guard Base conducts 1,200 KC-135 refueling missions yearly, supporting global air operations. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England ensures port safety and border security with Canada, managing 500 vessel inspections. These facilities maintain national security despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports.
Notable Distinctions
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the Navy’s oldest shipyard, spans 297 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with iconic structures like the 1905 Portsmouth Naval Prison. It employs nearly 8,000, making it Maine’s largest military employer. Bangor Air National Guard Base is Maine’s primary air refueling hub. The shipyard offers 300 housing units, a Child Development Center, and MWR events like 2025 lobster festivals, fostering a tight-knit community in Maine’s coastal region.
U.S. service members on PCS to Maine or TDY in Maine will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. From Kittery’s scenic coast to Portland’s vibrant arts scene, Maine’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.