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Naval Submarine Base, Connecticut

The east bank of the Thames River near Groton, Connecticut is the birthplace of Naval Submarine Base. First known as a Navy yard, it was converted to a submarine base in 1916, and greatly enlarged in World War II. By 1959, Naval Submarine Base had become the largest submarine base in the world, with 8,210 productive personnel. In 1969, the base also grasped onto logistical and training responsibilities for fleet ballistic missile submarines. In 1974, the Naval Submarine Support Activity was launched. By 1979, the base supported the Los Angeles and Ohio class submarines. Substantial units included Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Naval Submarine Support Facility, and Conversion and Repair. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Recommendations slotted the base for closure in 2005.

Connecticut gave the Navy land in 1868, and in 1872, two brick buildings and a "T" shaped pier were assembled and it was officially declared a Navy yard. This yard was primarily utilized as a coaling station by Atlantic Fleet small craft. On October 13, 1915, the monitor Ozark, a tender, and four submarines escorted the arrival at Subase. Submarines followed, tenders proceeded, and in 1916, the Navy established it as a submarine base. After World War I, the Navy set up schools and training facilities at Subase. Today’s base supports twenty-one attack submarines and the Navy's nuclear exploration deep submersible NR-1. The base occupies nearly 500 acres and has more than 400 buildings, with the housing and support facilities for 10,000 active duty and workers and their families. The main harbor encompasses the lower three miles of the river from Long Island Sound to the area of the Bascule Railroad Bridge and Highway 95 bridges that cover the river between New London and Groton. The main harbor contains Shaw Cove, Greens Harbor, and Winthrop Cove. The inner harbor expands approximately nine miles up the river from the highway bridges to the city of Norwich. The main harbor is open to the south over the mouth of the Thames River. Hills or cliffs with altitudes exceeding 100 ft lie east and west of the main harbor with the exception of some fairly flat topography on the lower region of the harbor's eastern shore. The location of the Subase is on the Groton side of the Thames River, roughly 1-1/2 miles north of the highway and railroad bridges, which divides the main and inner harbors. The Subase pier complex consists of a blend of concrete piers and wooden piers.

While performing numerous tasks, employees at this shipyard were exposed to many hazardous materials, including asbestos. Like other shipyards involved in shipbuilding prior to the 1980s, Naval Submarine Base widely used asbestos-containing materials. While performing general duties at shipyards, employees were rarely protected against this harmful matter. This resulted in exposure to asbestos-containing turbines, boilers, wall insulation, pumps, pipe coverings, and many other products. Workers exposed to asbestos fibers include pipe fitters, boil makers, insulators, electricians, and other laborers, who were rarely provided with equipment to protect them from these hazardous fibers. This lead to many Connecticut residents falling ill with numerous asbestos-related illnesses. Since much time has passed, neglect has taken effect and now asbestos cases are among the highest risk cases with costs per case in the high millions for each asbestos victim. Asbestos litigation triggered much public outcry against shipyards’ negligence towards the concern for its workers. From 1988 to 1991, asbestos cases constituted the majority of all product liability cases. The costs have, however, have been substantial—almost three times the amount as is transferred to asbestos disease victims.

If you or a loved one has been exposed at this facility, please fill out a form to receive a free informational brochure or call us directly at 1-800-532-3764 to speak with us today.

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