PCS to Naval Submarine Base New London: The Complete 2026 Guide

SUBASE New London Quick Facts

Official Name	Naval Submarine Base New London
Address	1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06349
Base Operator	(860) 694-3011 / DSN 312-694-3011
Info Line (24/7)	(860) 694-4444
Branch	U.S. Navy
Base Size	687 acres (+ 530 acres family housing)
Active Duty Personnel	~6,500
Total Community	21,000+ (active duty, families, civilians, retirees)
Submarines Homeported	15–16 fast-attack (Virginia-class, Los Angeles-class)
Key Commands	Naval Submarine School, COMSUBGRU 2, Sub Squadrons 4 & 12
Established	1868 (submarine base designation: 1915)
Nickname	“Home of the Submarine Force” / “The First and Finest”

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Checking In: Reporting for Duty at SUBASE New London

Check-in at SUBASE New London is command-specific. Your first priority is connecting with your sponsor before you leave your losing command. If you haven’t been assigned a sponsor, contact your gaining command’s career counselor immediately — don’t wait until you arrive.

Before You Arrange Lodging

Before booking any hotel or temporary housing, you must check in at Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) at Building 429, 429 Tautog Ave. You need either an endorsement of orders or a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) from NGIS before you can be reimbursed for Temporary Lodging Expenses (TLE). Skipping this step will cost you money.

NGIS Contact: (860) 694-3416 or (860) 910-0329 — open 24/7. Check-in starts at 3 p.m.; check-out is 11 a.m.

Where to Report by Command

• Naval Submarine School (SUB SCHOOL) students and staff → Building 499 quarterdeck
• General SUBASE personnel → Personnel Support Detachment, Building 83 (7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
• COMSUBGRU 2 staff → Grenfell Hall, Building 439
• Medical personnel → Naval Branch Health Clinic New England – Groton
• Deployed unit Sailors → Appropriate squadron duty office
• After-hours arrivals → Get orders stamped at the CBQ, then report to command at 7 a.m. the next business day

Key Check-In Phone Numbers

Service	Phone
NGIS Lodging (24/7)	(860) 694-3416 or (860) 910-0329
After-Hours Duty Officer	(860) 625-9644
NIOD Groton After Hours	(860) 625-1994
I-Div (regular hours)	(860) 694-1203
I-Div (after hours)	(860) 694-3606
Main Gate Security / Pass & ID	(860) 694-3444

Driving to the Main Gate

From I-95, take Exit 86, turn right on Route 12 North, and continue approximately 2 miles to Crystal Lake Road (the 5th stoplight). Turn left and follow Crystal Lake Road to the end — the main gate is on your right. The gate is open 24 hours for personnel with valid military or government ID.

Housing at SUBASE New London

Connecticut is expensive — no sugarcoating that. The New London area runs about 17% above the national average in cost of living, and housing is the biggest driver. That said, there are solid options at multiple price points, and the right neighborhood for your family depends on your priorities: commute, school district, budget, or all three.

On-Base Housing: Beacon Point Homes

Privatized housing at SUBASE New London is called Beacon Point Homes, managed by Balfour Beatty. The community sits just outside the installation gates and spreads across approximately 530 acres with eight neighborhoods. Most units are duplexes or quadplexes, each with a garage or carport. Some of the nicer homes include covered patios, fenced yards, and hardwood floors.

Beacon Point Homes: 100 Tern Road, Groton, CT 06340  |  (860) 446-5913  |  Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Weekends Noon–4 p.m.

• Nautilus Park has newer construction and is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods
• Elementary schools are within walking distance of several neighborhoods
• Community centers, picnic areas, playgrounds, soccer and basketball courts, and a splash park on site
• Pet friendly; each unit includes a garage or carport
• Retirees and contractors are also eligible — waitlists exist, so apply before you PCS

Housing Service Center: Grayling Ave., Building 83, Room 148  |  (860) 694-3851 or (877) 843-5236  |  Mon–Wed 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Thu 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Off-Base Neighborhoods: Where Most Families Live

The majority of SUBASE families live off base in towns ranging from 5 to 30 minutes from the gate. Each has a different feel, commute, school quality, and price point.

Town	Approx. Commute	Median 3BR Rent	Notes
Groton	5–10 min	~$2,300/mo	Closest to base; diverse, strong community; heavier traffic near the gate
Waterford	10–15 min	~$2,100/mo	Top-rated schools in CT; most requested district by SUBASE families
Ledyard / Gales Ferry	15–20 min	~$2,000/mo	Quieter, suburban feel; popular with military; tight-knit community
Mystic	20–25 min	~$2,400/mo	Charming New England village; tourist area drives rents higher
Stonington / Noank	25–30 min	$2,200–2,500/mo	Beautiful coastal communities; pricier but excellent quality of life
East Lyme	25–30 min	$2,200–2,400/mo	Excellent schools; beach access; popular with officers
Norwich	20–25 min	$1,600–1,900/mo	Most affordable nearby option; more urban; farther from coast
Westerly, RI	~30 min	$2,500+/mo	Beautiful area and strong schools; typically out of range for junior enlisted

The honest take: Ledyard and Waterford are the sweet spots for most military families — top school districts, lower rents than Groton or Mystic, and a manageable commute. If budget is the priority, Norwich gives you the most breathing room. Do the BAH math before committing to Mystic or Stonington.

Thinking about buying with a VA loan in Connecticut? Learn about your VA home loan benefits →

Schools Near SUBASE New London

There are no DoDEA schools at this installation. Your school district depends entirely on where you live, not on the base itself.

On-Base Housing: Groton Public Schools

Families living in Beacon Point Homes are zoned for Groton Public Schools. The district features a strong magnet school system at the elementary level, Groton Middle School, and Fitch High School. It’s a diverse district with a well-established military family population and solid academic programs.

Contact the School Liaison Officer before finalizing your neighborhood decision: (860) 694-3772  |  School Liaison Program →

Top-Rated Districts for Families Willing to Commute

• Waterford Public Schools — Consistently top-ranked in Connecticut; the most requested district among SUBASE families with school-age children
• East Lyme Public Schools — High-performing with strong athletics, arts, and academics; great for active families
• Ledyard Public Schools — Solid district with a tight-knit community feel and a large military family presence
• Stonington Public Schools — Well-regarded and more intimate; a good fit for families settling along the coast
• New London Public Schools — Serves ~3,330 students; working toward becoming Connecticut’s first all-magnet school district

EFMP Families: Contact the School Liaison at (860) 694-3772 before choosing a town. Special education services vary significantly between districts, and the SLO can match your child’s IEP needs to the right community.

2026 BAH Rates: New London Military Housing Area

SUBASE New London falls under the New London Military Housing Area (MHA). Connecticut BAH rose an average of 5.4% in 2026, reflecting the state’s high housing costs. Use the table below as a planning benchmark and verify your exact rate with the DoD BAH calculator or the full 2026 BAH rates guide →

Rank	2026 BAH With Dependents
E-4	~$2,340/mo
E-5	~$2,580/mo
E-6	~$2,700/mo
E-7	~$2,820/mo
O-2	~$2,820/mo
O-3	~$3,000/mo
O-4	~$3,180/mo

The Real Cost of Living Near SUBASE New London (2026)

Expense	vs. National Average
Overall cost of living	+17%
Housing	+40%
Groceries	+15%
Utilities	+20% (electric $180–240/mo; heating oil $120–180/mo)
Transportation	+11%
Childcare	~$1,400/month

Bottom line on BAH: E-5 and above with dependents can generally find suitable housing in Ledyard, Waterford, or Norwich without going over BAH. Groton and Mystic are tighter. Junior enlisted without dependents should run the numbers carefully before committing to a coastal zip code. Use the commissary every week — you’ll save 15–20% on groceries, and it adds up fast in Connecticut.

Base Amenities and MWR

SUBASE New London has a full suite of on-base amenities, which matters more in New England than most places. Connecticut winters are long, and having solid options on base keeps family life manageable when it’s 15°F in February.

• Commissary — Open 6 days a week with Click2Go curbside pickup available. Your best defense against Connecticut grocery prices.
• Navy Exchange (NEX) — Building 484 | (860) 446-5400 | Full-service NEX with barbershop, alterations, and more
• Morton Hall Gymnasium — Second-floor indoor track, functional fitness classes, weight room
• Indoor Pool — On-base aquatic facility for lap swimming and family use
• Bowling Alley — Great for command events and family nights
• Movie Theater — On base
• Library — Quiet study and resource space
• USO Center — Newly expanded in December 2025, nearly tripling in size; a great space for Sailors and families
• Goose Run Golf Course — On-base golf, popular for command events
• Submarine Force Library & Museum — Home of the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Free admission. Go your first weekend.

Full MWR listings: navymwrnewlondon.com

Medical and Health Care

Naval Branch Health Clinic New England – Groton is the primary medical facility for active-duty personnel and eligible beneficiaries at SUBASE. Services include primary care, optometry, audiology, occupational health, and preventive medicine. For specialty care, TRICARE refers you to the civilian network, which includes Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

• Clinic: newengland.tricare.mil
• Fleet and Family Support Center: (860) 694-3383
• MilitaryOneSource: (800) 342-9647

The Real Talk: Submarine Deployment Life at SUBASE New London

Most PCS guides skip this part. This one won’t.

If you are a submariner — or married to one — life at SUBASE New London revolves around one hard truth: submarine deployments run 6+ months, and during that time there is essentially no communication. No phone calls. No FaceTime. No email. No social media updates. Your Sailor goes underwater, and you will not hear from them until they surface.

This is categorically different from shore duty or even surface Navy deployments, where weekly contact is the norm. Submarine spouses at SUBASE New London manage the entire household alone — childcare, car repairs, school enrollment, medical appointments, basement leaks — for months at a stretch, with no ability to check in.

That is the honest reality of this duty station. The good news is that the community around it is extraordinary. Submarine families at Groton look out for each other in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. The PCS New London group is one of the most active and welcoming military spouse communities you’ll find anywhere.

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) runs dedicated deployment support programs, including pre-deployment workshops, ombudsman connections, and individual counseling. Get connected before deployment — not after the boat leaves.

Fleet and Family Support Center: (860) 694-3383 | Building 83

Spouse Employment and Community Resources

Connecticut has a stronger job market for military spouses than most people expect. The defense industry in southeastern CT is enormous. General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton builds every U.S. Navy submarine and employs over 24,000 workers in 2026, with thousands of additional hires planned. Many military spouses work there in administrative, engineering support, and contracting roles. Other major employers include Pfizer (Groton), Pratt & Whitney (East Hartford, ~45 min), and a network of healthcare and education employers throughout New London County.

Higher Education Close to Base

• University of Connecticut at Avery Point (Groton) — Undergraduate and graduate programs right in your backyard
• Mitchell College (New London) — Small private college with military-friendly programs
• Three Rivers Community College (Norwich) — Affordable with flexible scheduling

Key Support Resources

Resource	Contact
Fleet and Family Support Center	(860) 694-3383
MilitaryOneSource	(800) 342-9647
School Liaison Officer	(860) 694-3772
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society	nmcrs.org

Things to Do Near SUBASE New London

New England earns its reputation, especially September through November when the foliage is breathtaking and the coastal towns come alive.

Can’t-Miss Attractions

• Mystic Seaport Museum — A recreated 19th-century maritime village on the water; one of the best museums in New England
• Mystic Aquarium — Beluga whales, penguins, and sea lions; great for families with young kids
• Submarine Force Library & Museum / USS Nautilus — Tour the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, moored just outside the base gate. Free admission.
• Clyde’s Cider Mill (Old Mystic) — The oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States; open September–December with fresh cider and cider donuts
• Mohegan Sun Casino — ~20 minutes away; major concerts, restaurants, and events year-round
• Foxwoods Resort Casino — ~20 minutes away; entertainment and dining complex

Day Trips Worth the Drive

• Boston, MA — 100 miles northeast (~1.5 hours)
• New York City — 125 miles southwest (~2.5 hours); Shore Line East train connects New London to New Haven, with Amtrak continuing to NYC
• Providence, RI — 50 miles east; great food scene, walkable downtown
• Newport, RI — 60 miles east; sailing, mansions, beaches
• Salem, MA — ~3 hours north; legendary in October

Local Restaurants You Should Know

• Ford’s Lobster (Noank) — Get the lobster roll. Don’t debate it.
• Paul’s Pasta Shop (Groton) — Family Italian with a view of the Thames River; a community institution
• The Jealous Monk — Extensive craft beer menu, German-inspired food, beer garden
• The Shack — Beloved local breakfast and lunch spot; packed on weekend mornings

A word on weather: you will experience all four seasons, sometimes in 48 hours. Winters are long and cold with 30–50 inches of snow per year. Budget for heating oil and consider whether your new home has a garage. Fall is spectacular. Spring, when it arrives, feels like a gift.

Connect with local military families before your move: Join the PCS New London group →

Start your free PCS plan →  |  Explore all base guides →  |  PCS Toolkit →

Quick Reference: SUBASE New London Phone Directory

Service	Phone
Base Operator	(860) 694-3011
24/7 Info Line	(860) 694-4444
Main Gate / Pass & ID	(860) 694-3444
NGIS Lodging (24/7)	(860) 694-3416
Housing Service Center	(860) 694-3851
Beacon Point Homes	(860) 446-5913
Fleet & Family Support	(860) 694-3383
School Liaison Officer	(860) 694-3772
Navy Exchange (NEX)	(860) 446-5400
After-Hours Duty Officer	(860) 625-9644
MilitaryOneSource	(800) 342-9647

Frequently Asked Questions: SUBASE New London

Where is Naval Submarine Base New London located?

Naval Submarine Base New London is physically located in Groton, Connecticut, on the western bank of the Thames River. Its address is 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06349. Despite the name, the base is in Groton — not the city of New London — though the two communities sit directly across the river from each other, connected by the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.

What is the 2026 BAH rate for SUBASE New London?

SUBASE New London falls under the New London Military Housing Area (MHA). For 2026, BAH with dependents is approximately $2,340/month for E-4, $2,580/month for E-5, and $2,700/month for E-6. Connecticut BAH rose 5.4% in 2026 to reflect the state’s high housing costs. Verify your exact rate with the DoD BAH calculator or the PCS Pay-It-Forward 2026 BAH guide.

What is the best neighborhood to live in near SUBASE New London?

Waterford and Ledyard (Gales Ferry area) are the most popular choices for military families. Waterford consistently ranks among the top school districts in Connecticut with median three-bedroom rents around $2,100/month. Ledyard offers a quieter suburban feel with a large military family community and rents around $2,000/month. Both have a 15–20 minute commute to the gate. If budget is the priority, Norwich is the most affordable option in the area.

Is there military housing at Naval Submarine Base New London?

Yes. Privatized housing is called Beacon Point Homes and is managed by Balfour Beatty. The community has eight neighborhoods just outside the base gates on approximately 530 acres, with mostly duplex and quadplex units, each with a garage or carport. Contact Beacon Point Homes at (860) 446-5913 or the Housing Service Center at (860) 694-3851. Apply before your PCS move — waitlists exist and you don’t want to arrive without a plan.

Are there schools on base at SUBASE New London?

There are no on-base schools at SUBASE New London. Families in Beacon Point privatized housing are zoned for Groton Public Schools, which includes several elementary magnet schools, Groton Middle School, and Fitch High School. Families living off base attend the district for whichever town they choose. Contact the School Liaison Officer at (860) 694-3772 for enrollment guidance and help comparing districts.

How long are submarine deployments from SUBASE New London?

Submarine deployments from SUBASE New London typically run 6+ months. During deployment there is essentially no communication — no phone calls, no email, no social media. This is fundamentally different from surface Navy or shore-based assignments. The Fleet and Family Support Center at (860) 694-3383 offers dedicated pre- and during-deployment support programs. Get connected before the boat leaves, not after.

What medical facilities are available at SUBASE New London?

The Naval Branch Health Clinic New England – Groton provides primary care, optometry, audiology, occupational health, and more for active-duty personnel and eligible beneficiaries. For specialty care, TRICARE refers you to the civilian network including Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Visit newengland.tricare.mil for clinic details, or call the Fleet and Family Support Center at (860) 694-3383 for TRICARE navigation help.

What is there to do near Naval Submarine Base New London?

The area offers excellent quality of life. Top highlights include the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, the free Submarine Force Library & Museum (home of the USS Nautilus), Clyde’s Cider Mill in the fall, Mohegan Sun Casino (~20 min), and Foxwoods Casino (~20 min). Boston is about 100 miles away and makes a great day trip. New York City is roughly 125 miles southwest. Local favorites include Ford’s Lobster in Noank and Paul’s Pasta Shop in Groton.

What is the cost of living like near SUBASE New London?

The Groton/New London area runs approximately 17% above the national average. Housing is the biggest factor — median three-bedroom rents range from $2,000/month in Ledyard to $2,400/month in Mystic. Utilities are also above average, with heating oil costs particularly notable in winter. Use the on-base commissary every week — you’ll save 15–20% on groceries, which adds up fast in Connecticut.

How do I check in at SUBASE New London?

Check-in is command-specific, but the first step for everyone is the same: report to Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) at Building 429 before arranging any lodging, so your orders get endorsed for TLE reimbursement. NGIS is available 24/7 at (860) 694-3416. Submarine School students and staff report to Building 499; general SUBASE personnel go to Personnel Support Detachment in Building 83 during regular hours (7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). After-hours arrivals should call the duty officer at (860) 625-9644.