Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

U.S. Marine Corps•8 members

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

U.S. Marine Corps

The US Naval Submarine School, located in Groton, Connecticut, was officially established in 1916 to provide specialized training for the crews of the Navy’s rapidly expanding submarine force. Over the decades, the school became the primary institution for developing advanced submarine tactics, technology, and safety procedures, especially during World War II and the Cold War. It has trained thousands of officers and enlisted personnel, playing a critical role in preparing crews for both diesel-electric and nuclear-powered submarines. Today, the Submarine School continues to be the cornerstone of undersea warfare training for the United States Navy, maintaining its reputation as the "Home of the Submarine Force."

About US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Historic Beginnings: The US Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, was officially established in January 1916, making it the oldest submarine training facility in the United States.
“Submarine Capital of the World”: Groton earned this nickname due in large part to the presence of the school and the nearby Naval Submarine Base New London, a major hub for submarine activity.
World War I Origins: The school was created in response to the increasing importance of submarines during World War I, as the Navy recognized the need for specialized training of submarine crews.
Comprehensive Training: The curriculum covers everything from basic submarine operations and navigation to advanced tactics, sonar, and emergency procedures—including simulated flooding and fire scenarios.
Famous Graduates: Many notable submariners have trained at Groton, including Rear Admiral Richard O’Kane, a Medal of Honor recipient and one of the most successful submarine commanders of World War II.
Women in Submarines: In 2011, the first group of female officers began training at Groton to serve on submarines, marking a significant milestone in Navy history.
Training Simulators: The school uses highly advanced and realistic simulators, such as the Submarine Bridge Trainer, to prepare sailors for the unique challenges of underwater navigation and combat.
Escape Training: The school houses the Submarine Escape Trainer, a 40-foot vertical tank where sailors practice escaping from a sunken submarine, a critical life-saving skill.
Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the school played a pivotal role in preparing crews for nuclear-powered submarines and the deployment of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
Ongoing Legacy: Today, the school trains thousands of officers and enlisted sailors each year, ensuring the continued excellence and readiness of the US Navy’s submarine force.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

U.S. Marine Corps•8 members

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

James Wallace

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1986 - 1986

Message View Profile

John Geltz

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1974 - 1977

Message View Profile

Leonard Robinson

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1988 - 1991

Message View Profile

James Beidler

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1978 - 1978

Message View Profile

View all members

Marine Corps photos

View all photos

About US Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Historic Beginnings: The US Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, was officially established in January 1916, making it the oldest submarine training facility in the United States.
“Submarine Capital of the World”: Groton earned this nickname due in large part to the presence of the school and the nearby Naval Submarine Base New London, a major hub for submarine activity.
World War I Origins: The school was created in response to the increasing importance of submarines during World War I, as the Navy recognized the need for specialized training of submarine crews.
Comprehensive Training: The curriculum covers everything from basic submarine operations and navigation to advanced tactics, sonar, and emergency procedures—including simulated flooding and fire scenarios.
Famous Graduates: Many notable submariners have trained at Groton, including Rear Admiral Richard O’Kane, a Medal of Honor recipient and one of the most successful submarine commanders of World War II.
Women in Submarines: In 2011, the first group of female officers began training at Groton to serve on submarines, marking a significant milestone in Navy history.
Training Simulators: The school uses highly advanced and realistic simulators, such as the Submarine Bridge Trainer, to prepare sailors for the unique challenges of underwater navigation and combat.
Escape Training: The school houses the Submarine Escape Trainer, a 40-foot vertical tank where sailors practice escaping from a sunken submarine, a critical life-saving skill.
Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the school played a pivotal role in preparing crews for nuclear-powered submarines and the deployment of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
Ongoing Legacy: Today, the school trains thousands of officers and enlisted sailors each year, ensuring the continued excellence and readiness of the US Navy’s submarine force.