
NSB NEW LONDON
NAVY
Groton, CT
United States
NSB NEW LONDON
NAVY
Groton, CT
United States
NSB New London
Base Essentials
Welcome to NSB New London, located on the beautiful Southeastern coast in Groton, Connecticut! This base sits on over 680 acres along the Thames River, with seven submarine piers and over 70 tenant commands. NSB New London is called home to more than 6,500 military personnel and over 12,000 family members. Reservists, retirees, civilian employees, and DoD contractors make up more than 14,000 members of the working population, making this base one of the largest employers in Southeastern Connecticut. Continue reading for an in-depth guide on NSB New London to aid in your transition to your new...

Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1868
Acres
680
Active Duty
9,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
270,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
NSB New London History
Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, is the "Home of the Submarine Force" and has been the primary East Coast submarine base since 1868. It is home to the Submarine School, where all submarine officers and enlisted sailors receive their initial qualification training. The base also homeports attack submarines and supports submarine construction in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, which is adjacent to the installation. New London is at the center of the submarine force's expansion efforts as the Navy grows its attack submarine fleet.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Submarine School
—
—
Submarine homeport (attack submarines)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1868
Naval Station New London Established
1916
Submarine School Established
1954
USS Nautilus — World's First Nuclear-Powered Vessel — Commissioned
2005
Submarine Learning Center Established
—
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1868
Naval Station New London Established
The U.S. Navy established Naval Station New London on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut, providing strategic access to Long Island Sound and the Atlantic coast. The station's deep, sheltered harbor and proximity to major maritime routes made it an ideal location for submarine and surface vessel operations.
1916
Submarine School Established
The U.S. Navy Submarine School was established at New London as the Navy rapidly expanded its submarine fleet during World War I. New London became "The Submarine Capital of the World," training the officers and enlisted crew members who would serve in every conflict from WWI through the nuclear age.
1954
USS Nautilus — World's First Nuclear-Powered Vessel — Commissioned
The USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first nuclear-powered vessel of any kind, was commissioned at Groton, Connecticut, on September 30, 1954. Nautilus demonstrated that nuclear propulsion could allow submarines to operate indefinitely submerged at high speed, fundamentally and permanently changing the nature of naval warfare.
2005
Submarine Learning Center Established
The Naval Submarine School was reorganized as the Submarine Learning Center, consolidating submarine training programs across multiple commands under a single enterprise headquarters. The center produces the world's most capable submarine crews through rigorous technical and tactical training at Groton.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NSB New London.
NSB New London Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NSB New London.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from NSB New London.

Information
Everything You'll See at the First-Ever National Coast Guard Museum
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Information
NSB New London: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Groton CT Schools & More Near NSB New London
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Best Restaurants in New London, CT, Near NSB New London
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25 of the Best Things To Do in New London, CT, Near Base
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NSB New London.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(860) 694-3383Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In-Processing
All service members report directly to their gaining command's quarterdeck to have orders endorsed. Submarine School students and staff report to the quarterdeck in Building 499, while SUBASE personnel check in at the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) in Building 83, Dealey Plaza. If arriving after hours, on weekends, or holidays, contact the Command Duty Officer at (860) 625-9644, then report to PSD at 0730 the next working day.
After initial check-in, you will receive an appointment with PSD on the second floor of Building 83. Bring service records, endorsed orders, travel receipts, and your local address. PSD customer service hours are Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Thu opens at 8:30 AM). In-processing covers pay, personnel records, travel claims, ID cards, and DEERS enrollment. Before arranging lodging, check in at Navy Gateway Inns & Suites to obtain a room or Certificate of Non-Availability.
The FFSC in Building 83 ((860) 694-3383) offers a Welcome Center with base maps, lending lockers, base tours, and community information. Services include relocation assistance, PCS planning consultations, personal financial management, career and employment readiness workshops, and deployment support. Contact the Relocation Assistance Program at (860) 694-1749 for a Welcome Aboard packet. The USO Center on base also provides support for arriving service members.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for NSB New London.
On-post housing at Naval Submarine Base New London is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods on the installation in Groton, Connecticut, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes and access to community amenities including playgrounds and neighborhood centers. Balfour Beatty provides 24/7 maintenance support, an online portal for applications an…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NSB New London
110
10% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NSB New London.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
4
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Groton
Small Town
Groton sits directly across the Thames River from New London and is home to NSB New London — so calling it "off-base" is almost a misnomer, since the base is right there. It's the most convenient community for submarine force families, with the highest military density, solid rental availability, and quick access to all base facilities. It's a working-class New England city with genuine character.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (Crystal Lake Rd)
Schools: Groton School District
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Families with kids
Thames River waterfront, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, and Bluff Point Coastal Reserve nearby. New London has a college-town feel with Connecticut College and the Coast Guard Academy. The Connecticut shoreline is one of the Navy's more scenic homeports.
Mystic
Small Town
Mystic is the charming coastal village that submarine families dream about when they hear "Connecticut." It's 10 miles east of the base, sits on the Mystic River, and has a historic seaport, excellent restaurants, and a genuinely beautiful New England aesthetic. It's pricier than Groton, but families who choose Mystic tend to love it more than any other assignment.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Crystal Lake Rd)
Schools: Groton School District / Stonington Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Dual military
Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, and a world-famous pizza scene. Coastal kayaking and sailing on the Mystic River. One of the most genuinely attractive places to live near any naval installation in the country.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NSB New London.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Connecticut taxes active duty pay of CT residents at graduated rates up to 6.99%. If stationed out of state, CT resident…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in CT are exempt from Connecticut income tax on wag…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationing a vehicle in CT due to military orders may qualify for a motor vehicle tax exempt…
Property Tax
Veterans with 90+ days of qualifying wartime service are eligible for a $1,500 property tax exemption on their primary r…
Resources
Pet Policies at NSB New London
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NSB New London.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
New London Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(860) 694-4291Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NSB New London.
Commissary
1
NSB New London Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic New London — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NSB New London.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 (Main Gate / Crystal Lake Road) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, NSB New London Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (860) 694-2244 for current hours.
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03
Is there a NEX on base?
Yes, NSB New London has a NEX (Navy Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Branch Health Clinic New London is the primary military treatment clinic serving NSB New London. Call (860) 694-3000 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, NSB New London has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, NSB New London has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Groton Public Schools (rated 7/10) serves most military families at NSB New London. Visit https://www.groton.k12.ct.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at NSB New London restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, NSB New London has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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11
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for NSB New London.
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12
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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13
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near NSB New London.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.


