Review of the Navy's Site Selection and Appropriation Request for Funds To Construct Support Facilities at Kings Bay, Georgia

The Navy considered several sites on the U.S. east coast for the relocation of the strategic submarine squadron to be withdrawn from Rota, Spain. Because of strategic and diplomatic considerations, the Navy determined that the relocation site should be located on the Atlantic Ocean in U.S. territory.

Navy studies explored four possible conditions for the relocation site: (1) one squadron supported by a tender ship and a floating drydock, called the T-1 concept; (2) two squadrons supported by two tender ships and two drydocks, called the T-2 concept; (3) one squadron of submarines supported by shore-based facilities similar to the Bangor, Washington, base; and (4) two squadrons supported by shore based facilities. The Navy looked to availability of land for expansion and explosive safety distances and also considered cost, impact on the environment, impact on nearby communities, timeliness, and operational considerations such as weather. On January 26, 1978, the Navy announced the selection of Kings Bay, Georgia, as the relocation site and requested 1978 construction funds of $26.3 million to support the T-1 concept. The facilities planned are in excess of what is required to support the T-1 concept, and the Navy's funding request was overstated by about $13 million. The Navy's 1979 appropriation request can be reduced by that amount.