SUBASE New London
SUBASE New London PCS Guide
Military Base History
211015-N-EJ843-1097 GROTON, Conn. (Oct. 15, 2021) Historic Ship Nautilus (SSN 571) is assisted in mooring at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London. Nautilus will undergo a $36 million preservation at the base. The anticipated 6-8 month long project will include dry-docking the submarine at...
Naval Submarine Base New London was established in 1868 as a coaling station for Navy ships along the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. Its original mission centered on refueling and resupplying vessels, but the base’s purpose changed as submarine technology advanced in the early 20th century.
In 1916, the base became the Navy’s first official submarine base, marking a significant shift in its mission. The installation expanded rapidly during World War I and World War II, adding piers, barracks, and training facilities to support the growing submarine fleet.
The base emerged as a hub for submarine training, operations, and innovation. It hosted the Submarine School and served as homeport for many historic submarines, shaping the future of undersea warfare.
During the Cold War, SUBASE New London played a critical role in supporting the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine force. The base provided logistical support, maintenance, and crew training for both ballistic missile and fast attack submarines.
Its strategic location and advanced facilities made SUBASE New London a cornerstone of U.S. undersea warfare, enhancing national security throughout the Cold War era.
Today, SUBASE New London remains the “Home of the Submarine Force”. The base supports submarine crews, training, and maintenance, and acts as a key economic driver in southeastern Connecticut.
The base has retained its name since 1916, with no significant official name changes since its designation as Naval Submarine Base New London.
Major Units & Training Programs
211110-N-MQ631-1108 GROTON, Conn. (Nov. 10, 2021) Fire fighters participate in a fire fighting drill aboard the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773). The scenario involved ship-board personnel as well as local fire departments and emergency responders in...
Major Units
Naval Submarine School
Provides basic and advanced training for officers and enlisted personnel entering the submarine force, ensuring readiness for submarine operations worldwide.
Submarine Squadron 4 (SUBRON 4)
Oversees the operations, training, and readiness of assigned fast attack submarines homeported at SUBASE New London.
Submarine Squadron 12 (SUBRON 12)
Responsible for the administrative and operational control of assigned submarines, supporting their deployment and maintenance cycles.
Training Schools
Naval Submarine School
Overview
Delivers foundational and specialized training in submarine operations, systems, and safety for sailors entering the submarine fleet.
Course Length
Varies by course; initial training is typically 8-10 weeks.
Who Attends
Enlisted sailors and officers assigned to submarine duty.
Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS)
Overview
Introduces new enlisted personnel to submarine life, focusing on submarine systems, damage control, and qualification standards.
Course Length
Approximately 8 weeks.
Who Attends
Newly designated enlisted submariners.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Tressi Werdebach, Army Personal Property Lead Element quality assurance inspector, checks packing quality and inventory items on an inspection. (Courtesy photo)
When you receive PCS orders to SUBASE New London, act fast. Contact your current base’s transportation office to set up your move and register with the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). DPS is your hub for scheduling shipments, tracking progress, and managing paperwork. Choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment—where the government arranges movers—or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), where you move your items and may be reimbursed. Each option has its own paperwork and deadlines.
You may qualify for key entitlements such as Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), which helps cover hotel costs while you wait for housing, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation costs. SUBASE New London follows standard CONUS rules for these allowances. Connect with your sponsor early and check the base’s arrival guide for local updates on housing, traffic, and base access. Always keep orders and vital documents with you during transit.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Contact the Base Housing Office early for waitlist information.
- Keep all PCS orders and important documents with you during travel.
- Take photos of your household goods before pack-out.
- Label boxes with your name and destination address.
- Plan for New England’s weather—pack essentials for rain or snow.
- Notify the base veterinary clinic in advance if moving with pets.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your PCS move.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other allowances.
Guidance and support for all stages of your PCS.
Base-specific arrival information and resources.