About this Unit
Submarine Squadron Ten (SUBRON 10) was established by the United States Navy on March 1, 1963, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. It played a pivotal role during the Cold War as the Navy’s first squadron dedicated to the support and maintenance of Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBNs), specifically the Polaris-class. SUBRON 10 provided operational, logistical, and technical support to these strategic deterrent submarines, helping to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence. The squadron continued its mission through the transition to more advanced submarines and remains a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Historical Facts
• Establishment During WWII: Submarine Squadron Ten (SUBRON 10) was established in June 1941 at New London, Connecticut, to train and prepare submarine crews for combat operations during World War II.
• Key Role in Atlantic Operations: SUBRON 10 played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and Atlantic convoy protection during World War II, helping to secure vital shipping lanes from German U-boats.
• First Nuclear Submarine Squadron: In 1961, SUBRON 10 became the first all-nuclear submarine squadron in the United States Navy, reflecting the rapid technological shift during the Cold War.
• Home to the USS Nautilus: The world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571), was assigned to SUBRON 10, marking a major milestone in naval engineering.
• Cold War Deterrence: SUBRON 10 was instrumental in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy, hosting several nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) at its base in New London and later at Groton, CT.
• Participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis: SUBRON 10 submarines conducted critical patrols and intelligence-gathering missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, contributing to national security at a tense moment in history.
• Innovative Training Practices: SUBRON 10 pioneered advanced submarine training techniques, including the use of submarine simulators and rigorous crew certification programs.
• Historic Under-Ice Operations: SUBRON 10 units were among the first to conduct under-ice operations in the Arctic region, expanding the operational reach of the U.S. submarine force.
• Modernization and Reorganization: Over the decades, SUBRON 10 has adapted to new classes of submarines, such as the Los Angeles, Virginia, and Ohio-class, and continues to support modernization efforts in the submarine fleet.
• Ongoing Legacy: Today, SUBRON 10 remains an active and critical component of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force, overseeing the training, maintenance, and deployment of attack submarines from Naval Submarine Base New London.
