Submarine base bursts into flames as fire crews rush to two buildings ablaze

01 September 2023 , 11:00

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Emergency crews responded to a large fire at a submarine base in Groton, Connecticut (Image: AP)

Emergency crews put out a large fire at a base known as the "Home of the Submarine Force".

At least 10 fire departments rushed to the scene and extinguished a multi-alarm fire at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. At least two separate buildings on the submarine base were impacted by the fire, it is reported. Six fire hoses were put in operation.

Naval Submarine Base New London is the primary United States Navy East Coast submarine base, also known as the "Home of the Submarine Force." It is located in Groton, Connecticut directly across the Thames River from its namesake city of New London.

The fire broke out at around 6am local time. The cause of the blaze is still unclear. No firefighters were hurt in the fire, it was reported, while there was no impact on the base's operation, according to an official.

Earlier, Norwich Firefighters Local 892 wrote in an update on its Facebook page: "Norwich FAST is on scene of a second alarm fire on the Groton Submarine Base. Command said they have two buildings on fire with six lines in operation."

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Firefighters responded and put out the fire at the submarine base (Norwich Firefighters Local 892/Facebook)

The fire broke out in two buildings of the base in Groton (Norwich Firefighters Local 892/Facebook)

The US 'home of the submarine force'

Naval Submarine Base New London, also known as the "Home of the Submarine Force," is the primary United States Navy East Coast submarine base located in Groton, Connecticut, across the Thames River from New London.

The base's history dates back to 1868 when Connecticut provided 112 acres of land for a Navy Station, but it wasn't until 1872 that it officially became a Navy Yard. Initially used for laying up inactive ships, the yard faced closures due to lack of funding. However, in 1912, it was saved from closure by Congressman Edwin W. Higgins. In 1915, it became the Navy's first submarine base.

Naval Submarine Base New London is the primary United States Navy East Coast submarine base

During World War I, the base expanded with Congress allocating funds for its growth. The Great Depression also contributed to its expansion in the 1930s, thanks to federal employment programs. The most substantial growth occurred during World War II, increasing its size to 497 acres.

One notable structure on the base was the Escape Training Tank, replaced in 2007 by the Submarine Escape Trainer. The base is home to 16 attack submarines and is adjacent to General Dynamics' Electric Boat Division, a major submarine construction yard.

The base located in Groton, Connecticut is also known as the "Home of the Submarine Force"

All submariners receive training at Groton, including an eight-week Basic Enlisted Sub School (BESS). The base covers over 687 acres and supports various tenant commands, including Naval Submarine School and Naval Submarine Support Facility.

In 2005, the Pentagon recommended closing the base, but it was spared closure following a review by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in August 2005.

Vassia Barba