Naval Submarine Base New London Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to examine alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate to reprimands, separation, or court-martial. At Naval Submarine Base New London, Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance. Call 1-800-921-8607.
Watch the criminal defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend criminal cases and service members worldwide against Federal Charges, Florida State Charges, UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make the difference.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or a criminal investigation by federal authorities, the military, or the State of Florida, early defense matters. Gonzalez & Waddington provide disciplined, trial-focused criminal defense for high-stakes cases involving serious allegations and complex evidence. To speak with experienced criminal defense lawyers and get confidential guidance, call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-909-7407 to request a no-cost, confidential consultation.
Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial when the command believes certain conduct or performance issues warrant review. This process is separate from the military justice system and uses administrative, not criminal, procedures. It allows the Navy to determine continued service suitability without seeking a conviction.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative proceeding focused on retention or separation, while NJP is a disciplinary action addressing alleged misconduct. NJP does not decide a member’s future in service, but BOI findings can lead to separation. The procedures, rights, and standards of proof differ significantly between the two.
The burden of proof is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the board must find it more likely than not that the alleged basis for separation occurred. This is a lower threshold than in criminal proceedings. The board uses this standard to determine both misconduct and retention.
Typically, three commissioned officers serve as board members, and at least one must be senior to the member under review. These officers evaluate the evidence presented and make findings based on the governing regulations. Their role is to ensure a fair administrative process.
The board may review documents, witness statements, records of performance, and other materials relevant to the alleged basis for separation. Rules of evidence are more flexible than in a court-martial. This allows the board to consider a broad range of information.
If separation is recommended, it may occur before a member reaches retirement eligibility. The board’s findings can influence whether service is deemed satisfactory for retirement purposes. The impact depends on years of service and the characterization determined.
The board evaluates the member’s overall military record, performance, and the circumstances surrounding the case. Its recommendation may include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable. The characterization reflects the quality of the member’s service.
Yes, service members may retain a civilian attorney at their own expense for BOI proceedings. The civilian counsel can participate fully alongside appointed military counsel. This allows the member additional representation during the administrative process.
Q1: Where is Naval Submarine Base New London located?
A1: Naval Submarine Base New London sits along the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut, positioned near the shoreline communities of New London and Waterford. Its location in southeastern New England provides access to deep-water channels essential for submarine operations.
Q2: How does the surrounding region influence the base’s role?
A2: The base is integrated into a region known for maritime industries, shipbuilding, and longstanding naval heritage. This civilian‑military relationship supports both logistical needs and the specialized workforce required for undersea operations.
Q3: What military branch primarily operates at the base?
A3: The installation is operated by the U.S. Navy and is recognized as the principal East Coast hub for fast‑attack submarines. Its mission centers on supporting the undersea fleet through training, maintenance, and operational readiness.
Q4: What types of units or commands are present?
A4: The base hosts submarine crews, training commands, and support elements tied to the Navy’s undersea warfare community. These activities contribute to deployment preparation and ongoing fleet operations across the Atlantic.
Q5: How large is the service member population?
A5: The active duty population is sizable, reflecting the number of submarine crews, instructors, and support personnel stationed or rotating through the base. Regular movement of deploying and returning submarines shapes daily activity levels.
Q6: What kinds of operational activity define the installation?
A6: Training cycles, maintenance periods, and deployment preparations create a consistent operational tempo. Many personnel participate in specialized undersea training or support functions tied to fleet readiness.
Q7: How does military law apply to service members at this base?
A7: Service members assigned to or transiting through the installation may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, or courts‑martial. The demanding operational environment can influence when and how these issues arise.
Q8: Are defense lawyers available to assist personnel?
A8: The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Submarine Base New London. Their work connects directly to the legal processes that may occur in a submarine‑focused operational setting.
Naval Submarine Base New London is located along the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut, positioned between the communities of Groton and New London. The surrounding region features a mix of historic maritime towns, deep-water ports, and wooded terrain shaped by the New England coastline. Seasonal weather varies sharply, with cold winters and humid summers that influence daily operations and training schedules. The base sits near key transportation corridors and shipbuilding facilities, including the submarine production hub in nearby Groton, which enhances its strategic value to undersea warfare programs. Close relationships with local municipalities, colleges, and maritime industries allow the installation to integrate seamlessly with the civilian community while supporting a highly specialized workforce.
The installation serves as the Navy’s principal home for the Atlantic submarine force. It hosts operational submarines, support units, and undersea warfare commands central to maintaining the nation’s strategic deterrence and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Tenant activities focus on training, maintenance, and deployment readiness for fast-attack submarines and their crews. The base also provides facilities for technical instruction in navigation, engineering, and undersea operations, supporting both seasoned crews and newly assigned sailors preparing for operational assignments.
The active-duty population is substantial, driven by the number of submarines homeported at the installation and the continuous cycle of maintenance, pre-deployment training, and underway operations. While not an aviation hub, the base operates numerous support functions, including logistics, medical services, operational command centers, and schools that serve rotational and permanently assigned personnel. The tempo reflects the unpredictable nature of submarine deployments, with crews frequently preparing for extended missions that require advanced coordination and sustained readiness.
Because of the demanding operational environment, service members stationed at or transiting through Naval Submarine Base New London may encounter UCMJ-related issues such as command investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, or courts-martial. The high training standards, security requirements, and deployment pressures of the submarine community can influence how legal matters arise and are resolved. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Submarine Base New London.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/NewLondon/
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to gather facts about alleged misconduct, performance issues, or concerns affecting good order and discipline. It is not a criminal proceeding.
Many service members choose to hire civilian military defense lawyers during a CDI because early involvement can affect how statements, evidence, and findings are documented and later used.
The CDI report itself is not always permanently filed, but its findings and resulting actions often become part of the service member’s administrative record.
