Commander, Submarine Forces

Commander, Submarine Forces
Post	Commander, Submarine Forces
Body	United States Navy
Incumbent	Admiral D. A. (placeholder)
Reports to	Chief of Naval Operations
Seat	Naval Submarine Base New London
Formation	1915
First	Rear Admiral W. S. Sims

Commander, Submarine Forces is the senior officer responsible for the United States Navy's submarine community, providing operational direction, administrative oversight, and strategic guidance for submarine warfare. The office interfaces with senior leaders across the Department of Defense, including the Chief of Naval Operations, United States Strategic Command, United States Fleet Forces Command, and United States Indo-Pacific Command, and coordinates with allied navies such as the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

History

The submarine service traces roots to the launch of early craft like USS Holland (SS-1), evolving through eras defined by leaders and events including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Innovations championed by figures such as Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, and Admiral William H. H. Leinbach influenced doctrine that the Commander, Submarine Forces institutionalized. The establishment of formal submarine command positions followed developments involving Naval Act of 1916, Treaty of Versailles naval clauses, and interwar naval conferences like the Washington Naval Conference. Key programs—Gato-class submarine, Balao-class submarine, and later Los Angeles-class submarine and Ohio-class submarine—shaped the command’s mission during crises including the Battle of the Atlantic, the Pacific War, and incidents such as USS Thresher (SSN-593) and USS Scorpion (SSN-589). The office adapted through arms control regimes exemplified by the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and the New START treaty.

Role and Responsibilities

The Commander, Submarine Forces provides advocacy and guidance on procurement matters involving shipbuilders like Newport News Shipbuilding, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and program offices such as Naval Sea Systems Command and Program Executive Office, Submarines. Responsibilities include readiness assessments for squadrons that report into Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) and Submarine Force Pacific (COMSUBPAC), coordination with Navy Nuclear Propulsion authorities originating from the Rickover era, and integration with joint commands such as United States European Command and United States Central Command. The commander shapes training pipelines with institutions like Naval Submarine School, Naval War College, and Surface Warfare Officers School Command, and advises on personnel policies involving Navy Personnel Command and awards such as the Silver Star and Navy Cross.

Organization and Command Structure

The office oversees a hierarchical structure linking shore establishments such as Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Naval Submarine Base Bangor, and Naval Support Activity Naples with operational units including Submarine Squadron 6, Submarine Group 10, and ballistic-missile submarine crews assigned to Trident (missile). The Commander, Submarine Forces liaises with numbered fleets like United States Second Fleet, United States Third Fleet, United States Seventh Fleet, and task forces coordinated under United States Fleet Forces Command. Administrative chains interface with Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Personnel, and congressional oversight committees including the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. Technical coordination occurs with laboratories and agencies such as Naval Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Intelligence, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Notable Commanders

Prominent officers who have held or influenced the office include pioneers and leaders such as Admiral Hyman G. Rickover (nuclear propulsion architect), Admiral Charles A. Lockwood (WWII Pacific submarine commander), Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, Admiral Frank L. “Skip” Bowman, and contemporary leaders aligned with strategic shifts during tenures of Admiral Jeremy Boorda, Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, and Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert. These commanders operated during events including the Cuban Missile Crisis, Operation Desert Storm, and post-9/11 operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their careers intersected with institutions like Naval Academy and commands including Submarine Force Atlantic and Submarine Force Pacific.

Operations and Deployments

Under the commander’s purview, submarine operations have ranged from strategic deterrence patrols by SSBNs carrying Trident II (D5) missiles to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions supporting National Security Agency and Central Intelligence Agency requirements. Tactical deployments included anti-submarine campaigns in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization context, freedom of navigation operations near areas involving South China Sea disputes, and cooperative exercises with partners such as RIMPAC, ANNUALEX, and Malabar. Historical operational episodes include Operation Ivy Bells, Sea Swap, and crisis responses in theaters like the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Logistics and sustainment have depended on tenders like USS Proteus (AS-19), drydocks at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and forward bases exemplified by Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.

Insignia and Traditions

The submarine community maintains distinctive insignia and traditions reflected in badges like the Submarine Warfare Insignia ("dolphins"), unit crests, and ceremonies tied to milestones such as Keel laying, christening, and Commissioning. Traditions celebrate historical figures such as John P. Holland and events like the Diesel to Nuclear transition associated with USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Rituals include the "dolphin" qualification, wardroom customs influenced by Chief Petty Officer heritage, and commemorations at memorials such as the Submarine Force Library and Museum and the Navy Memorial.

Category:United States Navy