Submarine Force East Coast

• Birthplace of the U.S. Submarine Force: The Submarine Force East Coast traces its origins to the commissioning of USS Holland (SS-1) at the Holland Torpedo Boat Station in New Suffolk, Long Island, in 1900, marking the start of the U.S. Navy's submarine service. • Primary Homeport - Naval Submarine Base New London: Established in 1916 in Groton, Connecticut, this base is known as the "Home of the Submarine Force" and is the oldest submarine base in the world. • World War II Valor: Submarines based on the East Coast played a vital role in training, development, and anti-submarine warfare, preparing crews for critical missions in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. • USS Nautilus (SSN-571): The world’s first nuclear-powered submarine was launched from Groton in 1954, revolutionizing naval warfare and submarine endurance. • Operation Sunshine: In 1958, USS Nautilus became the first vessel to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole, a historic feat that demonstrated the strategic reach of nuclear submarines. • Stealth Patrols During the Cold War: East Coast submarines carried out clandestine surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions against Soviet naval forces in the Atlantic, often in extreme secrecy. • Development of Ballistic Missile Submarines: The first U.S. ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN-598), was built in Groton and conducted its first deterrent patrol in 1960, establishing the "second strike" nuclear capability. • Submarine School Legacy: The Naval Submarine School at New London has trained generations of submariners since 1916, earning a reputation for producing some of the world's most skilled undersea warriors. • Women in Submarines: In 2011, the Submarine Force East Coast welcomed the first female officers aboard ballistic missile submarines, beginning a new era of inclusivity in submarine operations. • Honoring Sacrifices – USS Thresher (SSN-593): The tragic loss of USS Thresher in 1963 off the East Coast led to significant safety improvements in submarine design and operation, shaping the modern submarine safety program (SUBSAFE).