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.
Planning Your Next Move?
Connect with Veteran & Military Spouse Real Estate Agents and VA Loan Experts You Can Trust.
Visit Sector Long Island Sound
3. U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)
📍 Location: New London, CT 🎯 Mission: Training and educating future Coast Guard officers
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is one of the five U.S. federal service academies, but the only one under the Department of Homeland Security instead of the Department of Defense.
Historical Significance:
- Founded in 1876 as the Revenue Cutter Service School of Instruction
- Originally trained officers for the Revenue Cutter Service (the predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard)
- Renamed the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1910
Today, the USCGA provides a four-year undergraduate education to future Coast Guard officers, offering degrees in engineering, marine science, cybersecurity, and more.
Visit U.S. Coast Guard Academy
4. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab (MSL)
📍 Location: New London, CT 🎯 Mission: Forensic oil analysis and pollution investigation
Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Make your move less stressful with our step-by-step first-time homebuyer guide.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab (MSL) is a highly specialized forensic lab that supports:
- Coast Guard Marine Investigators
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC)
- Federal and district courts
Key Functions:
- Analyzing oil samples to trace the source of marine pollution
- Providing expert testimony in environmental and maritime legal cases
- Supporting federal pollution enforcement efforts
Founded in 1978, the MSL remains a critical asset in protecting U.S. waters from pollution and environmental hazards.
Visit U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab
Moving to Connecticut? We Can Help!
If you're PCSing to Connecticut, our VeteranPCS agents and lenders can assist with:
- Finding a military-friendly real estate agent
- Navigating the VA Loan process
- Exploring housing options near Connecticut military bases
