Naval Submarine Base New London
This shipyard is located on the Thames River, near Groton, Connecticut. The company began as a Navy yard, but was eventually converted into a submarine base in 1916. This base expanded substantially during the Second World War, yet with the advent of nuclear power after the Second World War, it was required to change its operations. During a time when many shipyards failed, this base flourished. At the onset of the 1960s, it had become the biggest submarine base in the world, employing more than 8,000 workers. Ten years later, the Naval Submarine Base decided to take on logistical and training responsibilities for fleet ballistic missile submarines.
The history of this shipyard dates back to 1868, when the United States Navy gave Connecticut the land in order to run the facility. After the creation of two new buildings and a pier, the facility was officially declared a Naval Yard in 1872. The Naval Submarine Base was responsible for the construction of many different watercrafts for the US Navy during this time. Initially, the yard was used primarily as a coaling station by Atlantic Fleet small craft.
This base is now one of the most influential for today's Navy. It houses 21 attack submarines as well as the Navy's nuclear research deep submersible NR-1. It boasts having more than 400 buildings spread out over 500 acres. Additionally, there are housing facilities as well as support for more than 10,000 civilian, active duty workers, and their families. The New London Harbor is home to more than 30 wharves and piers of many different sizes. The facility is used for repair berths as well as mooring for other crafts such as fishing vessels, tugs, barges, ferries and government vessels.
This submarine base has spawned many new innovations that were unheard of in the Navy. Shipyards have emulated it across the country for its high production rates and level of professionalism. The shipyard has been heralded as 'The Home of the Submarine' as well as 'The Submarine Capital of the World.' Although the base was physically located in Groton, Connecticut, the main offices of the base were located in New London. At the end of the First World War, the Navy started schools and training facilities at the base.
One of the many innovations that were spawned here includes the first diesel-powered submarine, which was commissioned in 1912. Another big development was the first ever-nuclear powered submarine that was launched in 1954. It was called the USS Nautilus and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark. It is moored at all times south of the main gate and is open to the public for viewing.
Since it is the home to many attack submarines and is in close proximity to a major submarine construction yard, most officers and submariners are trained at this base. It is an ideal training place because there have been so many innovations here and the facilities are state of the art. There are also over 70 tenant commands located at the base. These include Commander Navy Region Northeast, Commander Submarine Group, Naval Submarine School, Naval Submarine Support facility as well as three Submarine Squadron staffs.
In 2005, it was recommended by the Pentagon that the base be closed. However, the decision was reviewed and the Base Realignment and Closure Commission voted to allow the base to remain open. Just like nearly all shipyards of the time, asbestos was used in the production of ships, as well as the refurbishing of old ships. Therefore, there were thousands of employees that were exposed to the adverse health effects of asbestos while working at the yard. Asbestos was used primarily for its fire retardant capabilities and was not thought to be dangerous at the time. In fact, asbestos that is left alone is not dangerous. Only when it is broken up into small particles that can become airborne does it become harmful. The inhalation of the small particles can cause diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
There have been lawsuits launched against the company for these infractions, and demands that all of the dangerous materials be disposed of properly. It is unfortunate, however, that men and women who worked so hard on these submarines were in fact exposed to asbestos, not knowing at the time that it was so harmful. However, the reputation that this base has built for itself over the years should not be destroyed, and the men and women who worked on this yard should be remembered.
