Located in Camden County, Georgia, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a major United States Navy base that serves as the home port for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The base is situated approximately 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, and is one of only two submarine bases on the East Coast, with the other being Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. As a key component of the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay plays a critical role in maintaining the nation's defense capabilities.
The base was initially established in 1978 as a home port for the Navy's fleet ballistic missile submarines, and since then, it has undergone significant expansions and modernizations to accommodate the evolving needs of the submarine fleet. Today, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to 13 Ohio-class submarines, including the USS Tennessee, USS Pennsylvania, and USS West Virginia, among others. The base also hosts various support facilities, including a submarine maintenance facility, a naval hospital, and a variety of recreational and morale-boosting amenities for personnel and their families.
Key Points
- Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a major US Navy base for Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines
- The base is located in Camden County, Georgia, approximately 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida
- It serves as one of only two submarine bases on the East Coast, along with Naval Submarine Base New London
- The base is home to 13 Ohio-class submarines and various support facilities, including a submarine maintenance facility and a naval hospital
- Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay plays a critical role in maintaining the nation's defense capabilities as part of the US nuclear deterrence strategy
Base Operations and Facilities
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay operates under the command of the Navy’s Submarine Group 10, which is responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance of the base’s submarine fleet. The base’s facilities include a large submarine maintenance facility, which provides repair and overhaul services for the Ohio-class submarines. Additionally, the base is equipped with a dry dock, a wet dock, and various other support facilities, including a fuel depot, a munitions storage facility, and a naval hospital.
The base is also home to several tenant commands, including the Submarine Squadron 16, the Submarine Squadron 20, and the Naval Submarine Support Facility. These commands provide a range of support services, including training, logistics, and administrative support, to the submarine fleet and its personnel. Furthermore, the base hosts a variety of recreational and morale-boosting amenities, including a gym, a swimming pool, and a movie theater, to support the well-being and quality of life of personnel and their families.
Environmental and Community Considerations
As a major naval installation, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is subject to various environmental and community considerations. The base is situated near the Cumberland Island National Seashore, a protected area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems. As a result, the base is required to adhere to strict environmental regulations and guidelines to minimize its impact on the surrounding environment.
In addition to its environmental responsibilities, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is also committed to engaging with the local community and supporting regional economic development initiatives. The base participates in various community outreach programs, including job fairs, educational partnerships, and charitable events, to promote positive relationships with local residents and businesses. By fostering a culture of community involvement and environmental stewardship, the base aims to maintain a positive and sustainable presence in the region.
| Base Facilities | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Submarine Maintenance Facility | 4 dry docks, 2 wet docks |
| Naval Hospital | 100 beds, 200 staff |
| Fuel Depot | 1 million gallons storage |
| Munitions Storage Facility | 10,000 tons storage |
Submarine Fleet and Operations
The submarine fleet based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is composed of 13 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, which are equipped with Trident II D5 missiles. These submarines are designed to provide a nuclear deterrent capability, with the ability to launch missiles from submerged positions in the ocean. The submarines are also equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, allowing them to conduct a range of missions, including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and special operations.
The submarines are operated by highly trained crews, who undergo rigorous training and certification programs to ensure their proficiency in operating the complex systems and equipment on board. The base's submarine maintenance facility provides critical support to the fleet, with a range of repair and overhaul services available to maintain the submarines' operational readiness.
Training and Certification
The training and certification programs for submarine personnel are highly specialized and demanding, requiring a strong foundation in technical skills, as well as physical and mental stamina. The base’s training facilities provide a range of courses and simulations, including submarine operations, navigation, and communication systems. Additionally, personnel must undergo regular certification and recertification programs to ensure their proficiency in operating the submarines’ complex systems and equipment.
The base's training programs are designed to prepare personnel for the unique challenges of submarine operations, including the ability to work in confined spaces, manage stress and fatigue, and respond to emergency situations. By providing comprehensive training and certification programs, the base ensures that its personnel are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate the submarine fleet safely and effectively.
What is the primary mission of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay?
+The primary mission of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is to provide a home port for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and to support the nation's defense capabilities as part of the US nuclear deterrence strategy.
How many submarines are based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay?
+There are 13 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
What types of facilities are available at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay?
+Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay has a range of facilities, including a submarine maintenance facility, a naval hospital, a fuel depot, and a munitions storage facility, as well as recreational and morale-boosting amenities for personnel and their families.
As a major naval installation, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay plays a critical role in supporting the nation’s defense capabilities, while also engaging with the local community and promoting environmental sustainability. By providing a home port for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and supporting the submarine fleet’s operations, the base ensures the readiness and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
