---
title: What Military Bases are in Connecticut?
slug: what-military-bases-are-in-connecticut
description: Find every active military base in Connecticut—Naval Submarine Base New London & USCGA—plus PCS housing tips, VA-loan guidance, and a veteran agent match.
publishedAt: 2023-10-17T00:50:04.000Z
updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z
author: VeteranPCS
categories: [US Military Bases]
canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-connecticut
---

# What Military Bases are in Connecticut?

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

## **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**

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**