Naval Submarine Base New London

Went here to see the commissioning of the USS North Dakota (SSN-​784). From all perspectives of sitting in on the ceremony to having a tour of the now active boat it was an amazing experience. The naval officers talked better than the politicians and the real focus for me was seeing the 100+ sailors running to the ship as their new home was called to life. I am forever grateful of their service.
The only downside to the experience was the trudge of buying some take home swag from the event. Shirts for sale, but not hung up to display what exacting for up for purchase. General lack of coordination behind the swag counter. At least they took credit cards!!! The bottom line, which is certainly fine for me, is the Navy is a lot better at sailing than selling.

Always nice to know that you have a home away from home! I have been here for 9 months now, and got to say it’s not to bad when you get used to it. And it’s right between New York and Boston, so pretty nice.

If your a history buff and a navel fanatic like I am then you will enjoy this museum. Its
pretty small and you will go through it within 45 minuets but must say its worth stopping by. Go to go on a tour of an old decommissioned sub which I though was pretty neat (my date wasn’t impressed as much as I was but oh well). My favorite besides the sub tour was an exhibit where you could go into the bridge of a older sub. Neat-​o!

Historically, this place is pretty cool. Small, needs a lot of updates with buildings and streets though.

The base itself is cool with a golf course, bowling alley, marina, and other stuff, but this review is mainly focused on the Commissary and the Exchange located next to the area where uniforms are to be tailored and picked up.
The Commissary (supermarket) sells items at discounted prices compared to what you’d find in a civilian grocery store. Buying in bulk is the best value as individual items may be a little bit cheaper but may not be worth the drive depending on how far you live off base. The meats are extraordinarily cheaper than a regular food store and seemed to be of high quality. Coffee, especially the K-​cups for Keurig machines, were a few dollars less expensive.
Next to it is the Exchange, an shopping area where there is a small food court with a Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, a pizza place, a gift shop selling touristy Connecticut stuff and Stonewall Kitchen products. There’s also bathrooms on the first level. Up the elevator you feel as though you’ve walked into a department store. It felt like were in a Macy’s once the top of the elevator exposed us to the same set up of makeup counters full of the same brands of perfumes, lipsticks, moisturizers, as any regular department store. The difference is, everything is discounted and tax free. But, that’s not all folks…
Further in there is also a nice collection of handbags and wallets: Michael Kors, Coach, Fossil, to name a few. There is also a section for activewear with brands like Northface, Patagonia, Jockey. There are also dresses, shoes, undergarments… and that’s only the women’s stuff. There is also kids stuff and, of course, guys stuff too. My Marine browsed the mens stuff while I crushed on a discounted but still pricey sweatshirt and handbag. There’s also an electronics section. All tax free and discounted.
Who knew? It was fun to look around and I look forward to coming back.

I have no idea why I am reviewing a Sub Base… it’s not like people can choose to come here or not come here based on my review. I guess I just want to give them a shout out… GO NAVY!
My son is currently in sub school here. I have visited once and checked out the entire base… well most of it. They do a lot of programs for the sailors and the community like carnivals and 4^th of July fireworks.
It’s not a large base but it is strictly subs here unlike a lot of Naval Bases that have ship as well as subs.
If you are in the area they have a submarine museum that is just outside the gates.

This base is the worse military base I have ever visited. Services suck, processes are dumb. Exchange sucks very small, commisary sucks small and cluttered. Wondering why this base wasnt on the BRAC list, they have closed way better bases than this one. There must be a strong political lifeline attached to this base.