Connecticut has a rich military history, playing a key role in every major U.S. conflict from the American Revolution to today. The state is home to several military museums and historical sites, such as the Submarine Force Museum & Library and the USS Nautilus Memorial.
Currently, Connecticut has four major military installations supporting naval and Coast Guard operations.
List of Military Bases in Connecticut
- Naval Submarine Base New London
- Sector Long Island Sound
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)
- U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab (MSL)
1. Naval Submarine Base New London
📍 Location: New London, CT 🎯 Mission: Primary submarine base on the East Coast
Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE New London) is known as the "Home of the Submarine Force." It was originally established in 1868 as a naval yard and storage depot and later became the first designated U.S. submarine base in 1916.
Notable Historical Milestones:
- 1950s – Home to the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus
- 1960s – Hosted the first fleet ballistic missile submarines
SUBASE New London remains a critical training and operations center for the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet.
Visit Naval Submarine Base New London
2. Sector Long Island Sound
📍 Location: New Haven, CT 🎯 Mission: Coastal security, search & rescue, and maritime law enforcement
Sector Long Island Sound covers over 1,300 square miles of coastal waters and inland waterways, spanning from the New York-Connecticut border to the Connecticut-Rhode Island border.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations
- Maritime law enforcement and security
- Environmental and pollution response
- Aids to navigation and waterway safety
Founded in 1994 after the merger of Coast Guard Group New London and Coast Guard Group New Haven, the sector remains vital for homeland security and maritime safety in the Northeast.
Visit Sector Long Island Sound
