COMSUBLANT Norfolk VA

• 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. • 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. • 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. • First Commander: Rear Admiral Richard S. Edwards served as the first Commander of COMSUBLANT, setting the tone for aggressive and innovative submarine tactics. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.