Naval Submarine Base New London PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Submarine Life

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton, Connecticut) is the Navy's submarine capital and East Coast submarine homeport, with 15 fast-attack subs + Naval Submarine School. High cost of living (New England), cold winters, excellent schools, but BAH barely covers rent and submarine deployment tempo is intense.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: TIGHT (BAH barely covers rent, New England premium)
• Median 3BR Rent: $2,200/month (high New England cost)
• School Quality: Excellent (Connecticut 8-9/10, Ledyard/Waterford best)
• Deployment Tempo: HIGH (submarine deployments 6+ months, minimal family contact underway)
• Mission: Submarine homeport (15 fast-attack subs), Naval Submarine School, submarine maintenance

What This Guide Covers: Groton/Waterford housing realities, New England cost of living, school options, and submarine deployment life.

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE New London, established 1868, renamed 1916)
• Location: Groton, Connecticut (Thames River, 45 miles from Hartford, 100 miles from Boston, 125 miles from NYC)
• Size: 1,100 acres (compact urban base on Thames River)
• Population: 8,000 active duty + 10,000 civilians/contractors (submarine maintenance, training, operations)
• Branch: Navy (Submarine Force)
• Major Units: Submarine Squadron 4, Submarine Squadron 12, Naval Submarine School, 15 fast-attack submarines (Virginia-class, Los Angeles-class)
• Climate: Cold snowy winters (20-40°F, 30-50 inches snow/year), mild summers (70-85°F), four distinct seasons
• Nearest Major Cities: New London, CT (across river), Hartford, CT (45 miles north), Providence, RI (50 miles east), Boston, MA (100 miles northeast)

Want real-time data? This guide provides static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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BAH Rates

Key Insight: BAH BARELY covers rent in Groton - New England is EXPENSIVE. E5 BAH is $2,300-2,500, median 3BR rent is $2,200 = $100-300 buffer (TIGHT). Waterford ($2,100, best schools 8-9/10, 15-min commute) and Ledyard ($2,000, affordable, good schools 7-8/10, 10-min) are top choices. Groton ($2,300, closest 5-min) exceeds BAH. On-base housing waitlist is 12-24 months but rent off-post is HIGH. Connecticut cost of living is among highest in CONUS - budget carefully.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier: Best Value + Quality

1. Waterford (East) - BEST SCHOOLS

• Median 3BR Rent: $2,100/month
• Commute: 15 minutes to SUBASE
• Schools: Waterford Schools (8-9/10) - BEST in area, strong academics
• Pros: Best schools (Waterford HS 9/10), family-friendly, coastal access (Long Island Sound beaches), safe, quiet
• Cons: 15-min commute, higher rent than Ledyard, cold winters
• Best For: Families prioritizing schools, willing to commute for elite education

2. Ledyard (North) - BEST VALUE

• Median 3BR Rent: $2,000/month (MOST AFFORDABLE)
• Commute: 10 minutes to SUBASE
• Schools: Ledyard Schools (7-8/10) - Solid, improving
• Pros: Most affordable under BAH, good schools (Ledyard HS 8/10), family-friendly, close to base, Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun casinos nearby
• Cons: Rural feel (less walkable), cold winters
• Best For: Families prioritizing affordability + schools + commute

3. Groton (West) - CLOSEST TO BASE

• Median 3BR Rent: $2,300/month (EXCEEDS E5 BAH)
• Commute: 5 minutes to SUBASE (CLOSEST)
• Schools: Groton Schools (7-8/10) - Solid public schools, military-friendly
• Pros: Closest to base, walkable downtown (historic Groton), Thames River waterfront, restaurants/shops
• Cons: Rent EXCEEDS E5 BAH ($2,300 vs. $2,300-2,500), cold winters, tourist traffic summer
• Best For: E6+ with higher BAH, families prioritizing commute + walkability

4. Mystic (East) - TOURIST CHARM

• Median 3BR Rent: $2,400/month (OVER BAH)
• Commute: 15 minutes to SUBASE
• Schools: Stonington/Mystic schools (8/10) - Excellent
• Pros: Historic seaport charm (Mystic Seaport Museum), restaurants, coastal living, best quality of life
• Cons: OVER BAH for E5 ($2,400 vs. $2,300-2,500), tourist traffic, cold winters
• Best For: E6+ with higher BAH, families prioritizing quality of life over savings

Avoid: Over BAH

❌ New London / Norwich

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,900-2,100/month
• Why Avoid: Higher crime rates (urban areas), schools below average (6-7/10), traffic congestion
• Exception: IF finding Waterford/Ledyard unavailable + budget conscious

On-Base Housing

Naval Submarine Base New London Family Housing (Managed by Lincoln Military Housing)

• Waitlist: 12-24 months (LONG waitlist, high demand, limited inventory)
• Quality: 7/10 (renovated 2000s-2010s, well-maintained, compact yards)
• Rent: Free (BAH goes to Navy Housing)
• Pros: On-base (walk to work, no commute), pocket BAH, security (gated), community support, Thames River access
• Cons: LONG waitlist (12-24 months), limited availability, on-base schools below average vs. Waterford (7/10 vs. 9/10)
• Best For: Families willing to wait 12-24 months, prioritizing savings over elite schools

Reality Check: Many families live off-post in Waterford (best schools 8-9/10, $2,100) or Ledyard (affordable $2,000, good schools 7-8/10). On-post waitlist is LONG (12-24 months) - most families can't wait. Off-post rent is HIGH but BAH covers it (barely). Apply for on-post immediately if you want it, but plan for off-post reality.

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Schools

Best Public Schools (Off-Post)

Waterford Schools (8-9/10) - BEST IN AREA:

Elementary:

1. Waterford Elementary (8/10) - Waterford, strong academics
2. Great Neck Elementary (8/10) - Waterford, family-friendly

Middle:

1. Waterford Middle (8/10) - Waterford, excellent STEM

High:

1. Waterford High School (9/10) - Waterford, BEST in area, nationally ranked, strong AP program, excellent athletics

Ledyard Schools (7-8/10) - SOLID:

Elementary:

1. Ledyard Center School (7/10) - Ledyard, solid academics

High:

1. Ledyard High School (8/10) - Ledyard, strong academics, military-friendly

Groton Schools (7-8/10) - MILITARY-FRIENDLY:

Elementary:

1. Pleasant Valley Elementary (7/10) - Groton, solid
2. West Side Middle (7/10) - Groton, improving

High:

1. Fitch High School (7/10) - Groton, military-friendly, decent AP program

On-Post Option (No DoDEA)

NO DoDEA Schools On-Post - Students attend Groton Public Schools (7-8/10) or off-post districts (Waterford 8-9/10, Ledyard 7-8/10)

School Reality: Naval Sub Base New London has EXCELLENT school options. Waterford Schools (8-9/10) are BEST - Waterford High (9/10) is nationally ranked. Ledyard Schools (7-8/10) are solid (Ledyard HS 8/10). Groton Schools (7-8/10) are military-friendly. NO DoDEA on-post - students attend local public schools (good to excellent quality). Schools are a SUBASE STRENGTH - worth choosing Waterford for elite education.

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Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 25% HIGHER than national average — New England premium (Connecticut is 2nd most expensive state)

Housing: 40% higher — Median 3BR $2,200 (Waterford $2,100, Ledyard $2,000, Groton $2,300, Mystic $2,400)

Groceries: 15% higher — Stop & Shop, Big Y, Walmart, commissary on-base

Utilities: 20% higher — Electric $180-240 (heat in winter + A/C in summer), gas $120-180 (heating oil expensive), water $60-100

Gas: 10% higher — Connecticut gas prices, moderate commutes (10-15 min)

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR, Waterford): $2,100
• Utilities (electric, gas, water): $240
• Groceries: $1,100 (Stop & Shop, commissary on-base)
• Childcare: $1,400/month (if both spouses work, Connecticut rates VERY EXPENSIVE)
• Gas: $220 (moderate commutes, Boston/NYC trips)
• Internet: $90 (Frontier/Xfinity)
• TOTAL: $5,150/month

But BAH covers $2,100 rent + $100-400 buffer = net $2,850-3,050 out-of-pocket. EXPENSIVE.

BAH Coverage

TIGHT: BAH ($2,300-2,500 for E5) barely covers $2,000-2,300 rent with $100-300 buffer

Savings Potential: LOW - Connecticut cost of living is 2nd highest in U.S. Save $0-200/month (minimal). Many families LOSE money here.

Connecticut Tax Reality: 3-7% state income tax (HIGH), property taxes 2nd highest in U.S., gas tax high

Traffic & Commute

• Average Commute: 10-20 minutes (Ledyard 10 min, Waterford 15 min, Mystic 15 min, Groton 5 min)
• Best Routes: I-95 (coastal), CT-12 (Ledyard/Groton), US-1 (New London/Waterford), avoid rush hour
• Rush Hour: 0630-0900, 1530-1830 (moderate traffic, I-95 congestion)
• No Metro: Car required, limited public transit

Pro Tip: Ledyard/Waterford are 10-15 minutes from SUBASE (easy commute). Groton is 5 minutes (closest). I-95 rush hour can be congested - avoid if possible. Cold snowy winters = longer commutes (snow removal, ice).

Commissary & Shopping

• SUBASE Commissary (8/10) - Excellent for base size, saves 15-20% over Stop & Shop
• SUBASE NEX (7/10) - Full-service, good selection
• Crystal Mall (Waterford, 15 min) - Major regional mall, shopping, dining
• Westerly, RI (20 min) - Outlet shopping, coastal charm
• Olde Mistick Village (Mystic) - Tourist shopping, restaurants

Reality: On-base commissary is EXCELLENT (8/10, saves 15-20% over civilian grocery - important in expensive Connecticut). NEX handles basics. Crystal Mall (15 min) for major shopping. Mystic for tourist charm. Stop & Shop/Big Y for off-base grocery (expensive).

Healthcare

• Naval Hospital Groton (On-base, closed 1996) - PRIMARY CARE ONLY (clinic)
• Naval Health Clinic New England (On-base) - Primary care, dental, pharmacy (NO ER on-base)
• Tricare Options: Prime (on-base clinic, off-base ER referrals), Select (off-base network - excellent in Connecticut)
• Civilian: Yale New Haven Hospital (45 min), Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, 10 min, Level II Trauma)

Pro Tip: NO ER on-base - emergencies go to Lawrence + Memorial (New London, 10 min, Level II Trauma) or Yale New Haven (45 min, world-class). On-base clinic handles routine care. Healthcare is solid in Connecticut (excellent civilian hospitals).

Weather Reality

• Winter: 20-40°F (December-March), COLD, 30-50 inches snow/year, ice storms, nor'easters
• Summer: 70-85°F (June-August), humid (70-80%), beautiful
• Fall: 50-70°F (September-November), STUNNING foliage (peak tourism season)
• Spring: 40-65°F (April-May), rainy, mud season
• Challenges: Harsh winters (snow shoveling, ice scraping daily), heating costs high, nor'easters disruptive

Survival Tips:

• Snow tires + 4WD essential (harsh winters, 30-50 inches/year)
• Budget $120-180/month for heating oil (winter heating expensive)
• Embrace fall foliage (October peak - stunning colors)
• Snow shoveling is part of life (driveway/walkway maintenance)

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What's It Like to Live at Naval Sub Base New London?

Naval Sub Base New London is the "Silent Service" assignment. If you're submarine-qualified, you'll be here at some point - it's the Navy's East Coast submarine homeport with 15 fast-attack subs (Virginia-class, Los Angeles-class) and Naval Submarine School. The Thames River waterfront base is COMPACT (1,100 acres, urban feel) with subs docked alongside piers. You live in New England - cold snowy winters, stunning fall foliage, historic coastal towns, and high cost of living.

Mission Reality: SUBASE New London is SUBMARINE HOMEPORT - Virginia-class and Los Angeles-class fast-attack subs home here. You're either submarine crew (underway 6+ months, minimal family contact, silent running), submarine maintenance (long hours, technical work), Naval Submarine School instructor/student (6-month pipeline), or support staff (admin, supply, security, standard hours). OPTEMPO is HIGH for submariners - deployments are 6+ months with ZERO family contact underway (no phone, no email, no social media - you disappear). Submarine spouses handle EVERYTHING alone for months. If you're support staff, OPTEMPO is moderate (standard hours).

"Submarine Capital of the World" Culture: SUBASE New London is TIGHT-KNIT - submarine community is SMALL (only 4% of Navy). Submariners are qualified (dolphins pin), technical (nuclear/weapons systems), and proud. Groton is a NAVY TOWN - 50% of population tied to SUBASE. You're in NEW ENGLAND - historic coastal towns (Mystic Seaport, Stonington), stunning fall foliage, cold snowy winters, Boston (100 min), NYC (125 min). Culture is NAVAL + NEW ENGLAND - lobster rolls, Patriots football, Red Sox baseball, historic charm, and independent Yankee mentality.

Quality of Life: Mixed. Connecticut schools are EXCELLENT (8-9/10, Waterford best), but cost of living is 2nd HIGHEST in U.S. BAH BARELY covers rent ($100-300 buffer). Groceries, utilities, childcare all expensive ($1,100, $240, $1,400/month). Most families save $0-200/month (minimal) - many LOSE money. Outdoor recreation is EXCELLENT - Long Island Sound beaches, Mystic Aquarium, fall foliage drives, skiing (VT/NH 2-3 hrs), Newport, RI (1 hr), Boston (100 min), NYC (125 min). Winters are HARSH (30-50 inches snow, heating costs high, nor'easters disruptive).

Pros: Submarine career progression (East Coast homeport), EXCELLENT schools (8-9/10, Waterford best, Connecticut top-tier), New England historic charm (Mystic Seaport, coastal towns), stunning fall foliage, Boston (100 min), NYC (125 min), outdoor recreation (beaches, skiing, Newport), tight-knit submarine community, Naval Submarine School (career training), Long Island Sound coastal living, four distinct seasons, excellent healthcare (Lawrence + Memorial, Yale New Haven).

Cons: HIGH cost of living (2nd most expensive state, BAH barely covers rent), submarine deployment tempo (6+ months underway, ZERO family contact), harsh winters (30-50 inches snow, heating costs $120-180/month), spouse employment limited (high cost child care $1,400/month makes dual-income hard), long on-base housing waitlist (12-24 months), submarine spouse isolation (handle everything alone for months), high taxes (3-7% state income, 2nd highest property taxes), minimal savings ($0-200/month), traffic congestion (I-95 rush hour).

Family Reality: Naval Sub Base New London is EXCELLENT for families who prioritize SCHOOLS (8-9/10, Waterford best in Connecticut) and can handle HIGH cost of living + HARSH winters + SUBMARINE DEPLOYMENTS. Connecticut schools are top-tier nationally. BUT - BAH barely covers rent, childcare is $1,400/month (limits dual-income), and submarine spouses handle EVERYTHING alone for 6+ months. If you prioritize elite education + embrace submarine lifestyle, SUBASE works. If you need savings or stable family presence, it's tough.

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Overall: 25% HIGHER vs. national average — New England premium (Connecticut 2nd most expensive state).

Housing: 40% higher — Median 3BR $2,200 (Waterford $2,100, Ledyard $2,000, Groton $2,300, Mystic $2,400).

Groceries: 15% higher — Stop & Shop, Big Y, commissary on-base (15-20% savings critical in Connecticut).

Utilities: 20% higher — Electric $180-240 (heat + A/C), gas $120-180 (heating oil expensive), water $60-100.

Transportation: 10% higher — Connecticut gas prices, moderate commutes (10-15 min).

Childcare: 40% higher — $1,300-1,500/month (Connecticut rates, 2nd most expensive state, dual-income hard).

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids (Off-Post, Waterford):

• Rent (3BR, Waterford): $2,100
• Utilities (electric, gas, water): $240
• Groceries: $1,100 (mix commissary + Stop & Shop)
• Childcare: $1,400/month (if both spouses work)
• Gas: $220 (moderate commutes, Boston/NYC trips)
• Internet/Phone: $110 (Frontier/Xfinity)
• Car Maintenance: $90
• TOTAL: $5,260/month

But BAH covers $2,100 rent + $200-400 buffer, so net out-of-pocket: $2,960-3,160/month. VERY EXPENSIVE.

Naval Sub Base New London Financial Reality:

• BAH (E-5 with deps): $2,300-2,500
• Rent: $2,000-2,300 (leaves $100-300 buffer ONLY)
• Other Expenses: $2,900-3,200/month
• Connecticut State Income Tax: 3-7% (HIGH)
• Property Taxes: 2nd highest in U.S. (2-3% of home value)
• On-Post Savings: Live on-post = pocket BAH - $2,900 expenses = save $100-300/month (minimal)

Net Result: MINIMAL savings potential. Most families save $0-200/month at SUBASE New London. Many families LOSE money (childcare $1,400 + high utilities + groceries exceed BAH buffer). Connecticut cost of living is 2nd HIGHEST in U.S. - budget carefully or struggle.

Savings Tips:

• Use commissary RELIGIOUSLY (15-20% savings critical in Connecticut)
• Live Ledyard ($2,000, most affordable) vs. Waterford ($2,100) or Groton ($2,300)
• Avoid dual-income if childcare $1,400/month exceeds spouse income
• Budget $120-180/month for winter heating (heating oil expensive)
• Embrace free outdoor recreation (Long Island Sound beaches, fall foliage drives, state parks)

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Groton/New London is a SUBMARINE TOWN + TOURISM ECONOMY - spouse employment is MODERATE. Jobs are: healthcare (Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Yale New Haven, $50-90K), Pfizer (pharmaceutical, Groton, $60-120K), casinos (Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun, hospitality, $15-25/hr + tips), teaching (Connecticut schools, $55-80K), or on-base NAF jobs ($18-28/hr). Remote work is BEST option for tech/corporate careers. BUT - childcare is $1,300-1,500/month (limits dual-income viability).

Top Employers for Military Spouses:

1. Pfizer - Pharmaceutical research/admin (Groton, 10 min, $60-120K)
2. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital - Nurses, medical admin (New London, $50-90K)
3. Yale New Haven Health - Nurses, healthcare (45 min, $55-95K)
4. Foxwoods / Mohegan Sun Casinos - Hospitality, gaming, restaurants ($15-25/hr + tips)
5. Connecticut Public Schools - Teachers, paraprofessionals ($55-80K, competitive market)
6. SUBASE NAF Jobs - MWR, CDC, retail on-base ($18-28/hr, military spouse preference)
7. Remote Work - Tech, project management, admin (BEST option, $50-100K)

Security Clearance: NO advantage at SUBASE (limited defense contractors in area, Pfizer is pharmaceutical not defense).

Salary Range: $15-28/hr for hospitality/entry-level, $55-80K for teaching, $50-95K for healthcare, $60-120K for Pfizer. Tech/corporate = remote work only.

Military Spouse Preference: Applies to SUBASE NAF jobs (limited slots).

Childcare Reality: Connecticut childcare is $1,300-1,500/month (2nd most expensive state). SUBASE CDC has limited slots. Dual-income is HARD - spouse must earn $50K+ to justify $1,400/month childcare cost. Many spouses work remote or part-time to avoid childcare costs.

Family Support:

• Fleet & Family Services - Excellent (submarine spouse support groups, deployment readiness, financial counseling critical)
• MWR Programs - Robust (Thames River Marina, outdoor rec, fall foliage trips, Boston/NYC tours, youth sports)
• Submarine Spouses' Club - VERY ACTIVE (deployment support, monthly meetings, tight-knit community critical for underway periods)

Naval Sub Base New London Family Life: MIXED. Connecticut schools are EXCELLENT (8-9/10, Waterford best, top-tier nationally) - worth the assignment for education alone. BUT - cost of living is 2nd HIGHEST in U.S. (BAH barely covers rent, childcare $1,400/month, groceries $1,100/month, heating $120-180/month winter). Submarine deployment tempo is BRUTAL on spouses - 6+ months underway with ZERO contact (no phone, no email, you disappear). Submarine Spouses' Club is CRITICAL for support. Most families either love SUBASE (prioritize schools + embrace submarine lifestyle) or struggle (cost of living + deployment isolation).

Pro Tip: Spouses should target healthcare (Lawrence + Memorial, $50-90K), Pfizer ($60-120K), or remote work ($50-100K) to justify $1,400/month childcare. Teaching works ($55-80K) but competitive. Avoid hospitality/retail ($15-25/hr) - doesn't cover childcare. If spouse career advancement critical + high income, SUBASE viable. If single-income family, budget carefully or struggle.

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Common Questions About Naval Sub Base New London

Q: Is Naval Sub Base New London a good duty station?

A: DEPENDS on priorities. SUBASE New London is EXCELLENT for: submarine career progression (East Coast homeport), elite schools (8-9/10, Waterford best in Connecticut, top-tier nationally), New England historic charm (Mystic, coastal towns, fall foliage), Boston (100 min), NYC (125 min). It's TOUGH for: cost of living (2nd highest state, BAH barely covers rent, save $0-200/month), submarine deployment tempo (6+ months underway, ZERO family contact, spouse handles everything alone), harsh winters (30-50 inches snow, heating $120-180/month). If you prioritize SCHOOLS + embrace submarine lifestyle, SUBASE is excellent. If you need savings or stable family presence, it's hard.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base at Naval Sub Base New London?

A: Off-base in Waterford (best schools 8-9/10, $2,100, 15-min commute) OR Ledyard (affordable $2,000, good schools 7-8/10, 10-min). On-post (pocket BAH, 12-24 month waitlist, schools 7/10 vs. Waterford 9/10) if you can wait + prioritize savings. Groton ($2,300, 5-min, exceeds E5 BAH) only for E6+. Avoid Mystic ($2,400, over BAH).

Q: What's the weather like?

A: COLD SNOWY WINTERS (20-40°F, December-March, 30-50 inches snow/year, nor'easters), mild beautiful summers (70-85°F, humid), STUNNING fall foliage (September-November, peak tourism), rainy spring. Snow tires + 4WD essential. Budget $120-180/month for heating oil (winter heating expensive). Fall foliage is incredible - worth the assignment for October alone.

Q: Are schools good at Naval Sub Base New London?

A: EXCELLENT. Waterford Schools (8-9/10) are BEST - Waterford High (9/10) is nationally ranked, top-tier. Ledyard Schools (7-8/10) are solid (Ledyard HS 8/10). Groton Schools (7-8/10) are military-friendly. Connecticut schools are among BEST in U.S. Schools are a SUBASE STRENGTH - worth the assignment for education alone.

Q: Is Naval Sub Base New London affordable?

A: NO - one of LEAST affordable CONUS bases. Connecticut cost of living is 25% ABOVE national average (2nd most expensive state). Median 3BR $2,200, BAH $2,300-2,500 = $100-300 buffer ONLY. Childcare $1,400/month, groceries $1,100/month, heating $120-180/month winter. Most families save $0-200/month (minimal). Many LOSE money. Budget carefully or struggle.

Q: What's spouse employment like?

A: MODERATE. Jobs are healthcare (Lawrence + Memorial, $50-90K), Pfizer ($60-120K), teaching ($55-80K), casinos ($15-25/hr), or remote work ($50-100K, best option). Childcare $1,400/month limits dual-income - spouse must earn $50K+ to justify cost. Remote work best option. If spouse career critical + high income, viable. If single-income, budget carefully.

Q: What's the submarine deployment tempo like?

A: HIGH and UNIQUE. Submarine deployments are 6+ months underway with ZERO family contact (no phone, no email, no social media - you disappear under water). Submarine spouses handle EVERYTHING alone for months (bills, kids, emergencies, holidays). Submarine Spouses' Club is CRITICAL for support. Deployment tempo is hardest part of SUBASE assignment - prepare or struggle.

Q: Is Groton/Mystic area nice?

A: YES - New England historic charm. Mystic Seaport (historic seaport museum), Groton/New London waterfront, Long Island Sound beaches, stunning fall foliage, Newport RI (1 hr), Boston (100 min), NYC (125 min). Quality of life is excellent for families who love coastal New England + embrace high cost of living. Summers are beautiful, fall foliage is stunning, winters are harsh.

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Next Steps

Planning Your PCS?

1. Calculate Your Entitlements - PCS Copilot → generates your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and finance-office-ready documentation.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

2. Explore Naval Sub Base New London Data - Base Navigator → (Premium) - Live housing prices, school ratings, and interactive maps

3. Get Your Questions Answered - Ask Military Expert → (Premium) - RAG-powered AI with 6,539 embeddings of official military regulations and real community insights

4. Audit Your LES - LES Auditor → (Premium) - Verify your BAH matches official 2025 New London rates

Essential Reading

• Navy Submarine Career Guide - Submarine school, dolphins qualification, career progression
• Submarine Spouse Deployment Guide - Handling 6+ month underway periods with zero contact

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
• Naval Submarine Base New London Official Site - Installation information and resources
• Waterford Public Schools - School information and ratings

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

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