About this Unit
Naval Base Point Loma, located in San Diego, California, traces its military history to the late 19th century, originally serving as Fort Rosecrans, a coastal defense site. During World War II, the area became a hub for anti-submarine warfare and expanded to support various naval operations in the Pacific. In 1959, the U.S. Navy established the Point Loma Submarine Base, which later merged with other naval facilities in the area. Today, Naval Base Point Loma serves as a critical support and homeport facility for submarines, surface ships, and special warfare units, playing a key role in the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins in 1917: Naval Base Point Loma traces its origins to 1917, when the US Army established Fort Rosecrans as a coastal defense site during World War I, before the Navy took over portions for submarine operations.
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Submarine Base Established in 1946: After World War II, the US Navy established a dedicated submarine base at Point Loma, making it a hub for Pacific Fleet submarine operations.
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Home to Nuclear Submarines: The base became a homeport for nuclear-powered submarines, including fast-attack and guided missile subs, playing a vital role in the US Navy's strategic deterrence.
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Historic Ballast Point: Ballast Point, located within the base, is a historic site where Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno landed in 1602 and where the first Spanish ships entered San Diego Bay.
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Location of the Oldest Lighthouse: The original Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, stands on the peninsula, and its light once guided ships into San Diego Bay (though it's no longer operational).
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Undersea Warfare Development: Naval Base Point Loma is home to the Undersea Warfighting Development Center Detachment, which develops and tests advanced undersea warfare tactics and technology.
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Acoustic Research Facility: The base hosts the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and the Transducer Evaluation Center (TRANSDEC), a unique underwater acoustic research and testing facility.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Point Loma played a crucial part in anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and testing state-of-the-art naval technology.
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Home to the Navy’s Only Floating Dry Dock on the West Coast: The base operates the only active floating dry dock for submarines on the West Coast, providing vital maintenance capabilities.
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Connection to SEAL Teams: Naval Base Point Loma supports several Naval Special Warfare units, including SEAL Teams and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) operations, making it a center for special operations training.
