The United States Navy operates a network of submarine bases around the world, providing critical support to the fleet and enabling the effective deployment of submarine forces. These bases serve as homeports for attack submarines, ballistic missile submarines, and cruise missile submarines, and are equipped with the facilities and personnel necessary to maintain, repair, and operate these complex vessels. The US Navy's submarine bases are strategically located to support a range of missions, from deterrence and defense to maritime security and power projection.
Primary Submarine Bases
The US Navy operates four primary submarine bases, each of which serves as a major hub for submarine operations and maintenance. These bases are located in Groton, Connecticut; Kings Bay, Georgia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Bangor, Washington. Each base is home to a variety of submarine squadrons, shore-based commands, and support facilities, and plays a critical role in supporting the Navy’s submarine force.
Groton, Connecticut
The Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, is one of the oldest and largest submarine bases in the US Navy. Established in 1868, the base has a long history of supporting submarine operations, and is currently home to several submarine squadrons, including Submarine Squadron 2 and Submarine Development Squadron 12. The base is also home to the Navy’s Submarine Force Atlantic, which is responsible for coordinating submarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
| Base | Location | Submarine Squadrons |
|---|---|---|
| Naval Submarine Base Groton | Groton, Connecticut | Submarine Squadron 2, Submarine Development Squadron 12 |
| Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay | Kings Bay, Georgia | Submarine Squadron 16, Submarine Squadron 20 |
| Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii | Submarine Squadron 1, Submarine Squadron 7 |
| Naval Base Kitsap | Bangor, Washington | Submarine Squadron 17, Submarine Squadron 19 |
Supporting Facilities and Commands
In addition to the primary submarine bases, the US Navy operates a range of supporting facilities and commands that provide critical support to submarine operations. These include shipyards, repair facilities, and logistics commands, which are responsible for maintaining and repairing submarines, as well as providing the supplies and equipment needed to support submarine operations.
Shipyard Facilities
The US Navy operates several shipyard facilities that are specifically designed to support submarine maintenance and repair. These facilities, which are located in Groton, Connecticut; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Bremerton, Washington, provide a range of services, including dry docking, propulsion system repair, and hull maintenance. The shipyards are also equipped with the latest technology and equipment, including advanced welding and machining facilities, and are staffed by highly skilled and experienced workers.
Key Points
- The US Navy operates a network of submarine bases around the world, providing critical support to the fleet and enabling the effective deployment of submarine forces.
- The primary submarine bases are located in Groton, Connecticut; Kings Bay, Georgia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Bangor, Washington.
- Each base is home to a variety of submarine squadrons, shore-based commands, and support facilities, and plays a critical role in supporting the Navy's submarine force.
- The US Navy's submarine bases are strategically located to support a range of missions, from deterrence and defense to maritime security and power projection.
- The Navy's submarine bases are supported by a range of facilities and commands, including shipyards, repair facilities, and logistics commands.
Submarine Squadrons and Commands
The US Navy’s submarine squadrons and commands play a critical role in supporting submarine operations and providing the leadership and direction needed to achieve the Navy’s mission. These units are responsible for coordinating submarine operations, providing training and support to submarine crews, and ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the submarine force.
Submarine Force Atlantic
Submarine Force Atlantic, which is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is responsible for coordinating submarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean. The command is led by a rear admiral and is composed of several subordinate commands, including Submarine Squadron 2 and Submarine Development Squadron 12. Submarine Force Atlantic is responsible for a range of tasks, including providing training and support to submarine crews, coordinating submarine operations, and ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the submarine force.
What is the primary mission of the US Navy's submarine bases?
+The primary mission of the US Navy's submarine bases is to provide critical support to the fleet and enable the effective deployment of submarine forces. This includes providing a secure and capable infrastructure for submarine operations, as well as maintaining and repairing submarines, and providing the supplies and equipment needed to support submarine operations.
How many primary submarine bases does the US Navy operate?
+The US Navy operates four primary submarine bases, which are located in Groton, Connecticut; Kings Bay, Georgia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Bangor, Washington.
What types of submarines are supported by the US Navy's submarine bases?
+The US Navy's submarine bases support a range of submarine types, including attack submarines, ballistic missile submarines, and cruise missile submarines.
The US Navy’s submarine bases play a critical role in supporting the nation’s defense and security interests. By providing a secure and capable infrastructure for submarine operations, these bases enable the Navy to project power and protect American interests around the world. The submarine bases are supported by a range of facilities and commands, including shipyards, repair facilities, and logistics commands, and are home to a variety of submarine squadrons and shore-based commands. As the US Navy continues to evolve and adapt to changing global security threats, its submarine bases will remain a vital component of the nation’s defense strategy.
