Submarines are the backbone of the United States naval fleet and comprise one-third of America’s nuclear triad. The importance of submarines is supported by the idea that the US has built multiple bases around the world to maintain the readiness of its submarine fleet. While the number of bases has dropped since World War 2, multiple locations can refuel, resupply, and, if necessary, exchange crew for the US Navy.
Yokosuka Submarine Base
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SC58DryC5AB-class_Submarine_in_Yokosuka2023-scaled.jpg)
©"Sōryū-class Submarine in Yokosuka2023" by Charlie fong is licensed under BY-SA 4.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1945 – present
This submarine base is in Yokosuka, Japan, and supports the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet. Often known as Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, CFAY is considered one of the most strategically important naval bases in the Western Pacific.
Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/51753771235_7713829a26_b.jpg)
©"USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a homeport shift to Guam." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1918 – present
One of the best-known naval stations for US forces, Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor was first formed at the end of World War I. Since then, it’s been one of the most critical naval stations, supporting 15,644 torpedo loads during World War II.
Naval Base Guam
![USS Topeka](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1631px-USS_Topeka_SSN_754_returns_to_homeport._49249538082-1200x795.jpg)
©MC3 Randall W. Ramaswamy/U.S. Navy / Public Domain - Original / License
- Years operational: 1944 – present
Naval Base Guam, originally captured during World War II, is home to the Seventh Fleet, Pacific Fleet, Pacific Command, and Seabee units. At least four US Navy submarines are homeported in Guam as part of the Seventh Fleet.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/40353794413_58ec8266ed_b.jpg)
©"USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) Gold crew returns to homeport at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1978 – present
Located near St. Marys, Georgia, Naval Submarine Base Kings Base is home to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet for all ballistic missile nuclear submarines. Every submarine stationed at this base can be armed with Trident-class nuclear missiles.
Naval Base Kitsap
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/34171610321_8df7074f5d_b.jpg)
©"Sailors return home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, following an extended underway." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 2004 – present
Naval Base Kitsap supports the U.S. Pacific Fleet, is one of four nuclear shipyards in Washington, and is the third-largest Navy base in the U.S. Kitsap is one of two bases that support Trident submarine bases, the other being Kings Bay.
Naval Submarine Base New London
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/27783924406_22d8f2c042_b.jpg)
©"Naval Submarine Base New London centennial celebration" by Office of Governor Dan Malloy is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1915 – present
Naval Submarine Base New London is known as the “Home of the Submarine Force,” for good reason. Located in Groton, Connecticut, New London has 16 attack submarines, and all officers and enlisted submariners are sent here for training.
Naval Station Norfolk
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/51486475333_d98518a84b_b.jpg)
©"USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returns to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1917 – present
Naval Station Norfolk is the headquarters of Fleet Forces Command and the largest naval station in the world. As of October 2022, nine US submarines call it home.
Naval Base Point Loma
![](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/30002313767_eab3ff8c8a_b.jpg)
©"180922 020 Point Loma San Diego - Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, view of Naval Base Point Loma and Smuggler's Cove" by cultivar413 is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
- Years operational: 1998 – present
Located near San Diego, California, Naval Base Point Loma has served multiple submarine missions since 1963, but it was reconfigured in 1998. Five Navy submarines call Loma home every year.
Naval Support Activity Bahrain
![Naval Support Activity Bahrain](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/US_Navy_050816-N-9563N-006_New_chief_petty_officer_CPO_selectees_perform_morning_colors_on_board_Naval_Support_Activity_NSA_Bahrain-1200x782.jpg)
©U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Phillip A. Nickerson, Jr. / Public Domain - Original / License
- Years operational: 1997 – present
Naval Support Activity Bahrain is owned and controlled by the US Government and supports US Navy missions in the Middle East and Asia. The Fifth Fleet and Patrol Forces Southwest Asia call Bahrain home.
Naval Support Activity Naples
![Naval Support Activity Naples](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nsa-naples-130401-N-AW206-135-1200x799.jpg)
©Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob D. Moore / Public Domain - Original / License
- Years operational: 1951 – present
Located outside Naples, Italy, Naval Support Activity Naples is controlled by Italian authorities. However, the US Navy stations U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and the Sixth Fleet here to oversee the region.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd class Clarck Desire / Public Domain.