Naval Submarine Base New London Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut is the primary submarine base for the Atlantic Fleet. Submarines built and maintained at the base and the adjacent shipyard contained extensive asbestos insulation, creating severe exposure risks in the confined spaces of submarine interiors.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Established in 1868, Sub Base New London is the Navy's first and primary submarine base. Submarines from World War II through the Cold War era were built and maintained with asbestos insulation throughout their pressure hulls, engine rooms, and pipe systems. The confined spaces of submarine interiors concentrated airborne asbestos fibers to extremely high levels during maintenance and repair operations. The adjacent Electric Boat shipyard also used asbestos extensively.
Submarine crews lived and worked in confined spaces where asbestos insulation was present on pipes, bulkheads, and machinery throughout the vessel. Maintenance workers performing insulation repair, pipe fitting, and general overhaul inside submarines faced some of the most intense asbestos exposure in any military setting. Shore-based buildings and training facilities also contained asbestos materials.
The following job categories at Naval Submarine Base New London had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Submariners and submarine maintenance workers face among the highest rates of mesothelioma and asbestosis of any military population. The confined, poorly ventilated spaces inside submarines concentrated asbestos fibers to levels far exceeding safe exposure limits. Many veterans do not develop symptoms until decades after their service.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Naval Submarine Base New London may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Naval Submarine Base New London between 1940s–1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Submarines are enclosed vessels with limited ventilation. Asbestos insulation was used extensively on pipes, machinery, and bulkheads. When this insulation deteriorated or was disturbed during maintenance, fibers accumulated in the confined air space with nowhere to dissipate.
Most submarine crew members were not informed about the health risks of asbestos in their vessels. The Navy continued using asbestos aboard submarines through the 1970s despite growing medical evidence of its dangers.
Former submariners may qualify for VA disability benefits, including a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma. They may also pursue lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers and suppliers. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help identify all available compensation sources.
If you or a loved one worked at Naval Submarine Base New London and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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