The United States Navy remains one of the most sophisticated and fearsome naval forces to ever take to the seas. However, that doesn’t mean much if you’re lacking ports and bases. Today, we’re looking at US Navy bases throughout the world.
Why Are There Foreign Bases?
The United States acts as a defensive partner for many nations. As such, it only stands to reason that US Navy bases dot the globe. Further, it allows the United States to project force in a matter of hours versus days or weeks.
Yokosuka Submarine Base
- 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 important naval bases in the Western Pacific.
Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor
- Years operational: 1918 – present
One of the best-known naval stations, 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
- Years operational: 1944 – present
Naval Base Guam, captured initially 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 ©Benny Marty/Shutterstock.com.
