About this Unit
COMSUBLANT (Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic), headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1941 to oversee and coordinate the operations of the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet submarines. Throughout World War II, COMSUBLANT played a vital role in anti-submarine warfare and in securing maritime supply lines against German U-boats. During the Cold War, the command expanded its responsibilities to include the operation and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines, including those armed with strategic ballistic missiles. Today, COMSUBLANT remains a critical component of U.S. naval power, ensuring undersea dominance, strategic deterrence, and the readiness of submarine forces in the Atlantic theater.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) was established in December 1941, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, to coordinate and command all Atlantic Fleet submarines during World War II.
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World War II Role: COMSUBLANT submarines played a critical role in anti-German U-boat operations and protected Allied shipping across the Atlantic, significantly contributing to the eventual defeat of the Axis naval threat.
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Headquarters: COMSUBLANT is headquartered at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, the world's largest naval base and a central hub for U.S. naval operations on the East Coast.
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First Commander: Rear Admiral Richard S. Edwards served as the first Commander of COMSUBLANT, setting the tone for aggressive and innovative submarine tactics.
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Cold War Mission: During the Cold War, COMSUBLANT was responsible for maintaining the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent in the Atlantic, deploying ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) on secret patrols.
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SSBN Base: Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, are both under COMSUBLANT's operational control, supporting Atlantic-based SSBN and fast attack submarines.
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Historic Milestone: In 1959, the USS George Washington (SSBN-598), under COMSUBLANT, became the world's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine to patrol the Atlantic with Polaris missiles.
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Fleet Diversification: COMSUBLANT oversees a diverse fleet, including Virginia-class, Los Angeles-class, and Ohio-class submarines, reflecting the evolution of U.S. submarine warfare capabilities.
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Joint Operations: COMSUBLANT regularly participates in multi-national exercises like NATO’s Operation Dynamic Mongoose and ICEX (Ice Exercise) in the Arctic, showcasing interoperability and under-ice warfare prowess.
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Motto and Legacy: The force’s motto, "Pride Runs Deep," reflects the tradition, professionalism, and silent service of the thousands of submariners who have served under COMSUBLANT since its inception.
