Sponsorship

To help prepare sponsors for success, the Sponsorship Program provides training and access to important information and resources that can help newcomers master their move. The Sponsorship Program helps sponsors fulfill their responsibilities, which may include:

• Contacting the service member and family with an introductory email
• Staying in contact with the service member throughout the moving process
• Sending information about the new community and duty assignment, responding to questions and providing information about resources
• Confirming transportation and lodging arrangements
• Helping with post office arrangements
• Meeting service members and family members upon arrival
• Going with service members to unit check-in point
• Introducing service members to the Military and Family Support Center and loan closet, if it’s available
• Familiarizing service members and families with the installation and key locations, like the commissary

Note: Responsibilities may vary based on service-specific policies and guidance. Make sure to check with your service branch for sponsor training requirements.

Overall, the Sponsorship Program aims to:

• Provide newcomers with a sense of belonging
• Ease the transition for inbound service members or civilians and their family members
• Increase productivity of service members and loved ones
• Help newcomers make informed decisions
• Cultivate new friendships
• Improve morale

For more information on the Sponsorship Program, contact your installation Military and Family Support Center.

Sponsorship is also available for youth. Installation youth sponsorship programs help military-connected youth make a successful transition to a new community. Primarily directed to preteen and teenaged youth, installation youth programs/centers provide information and materials on programs and services available at their new location. Where available, youth can exchange emails, talk on the phone or chat online with other youth. The youth program staff at your new installation can offer more information on installation youth sponsorship programs.

You can also contact your installation School Liaison Program office for information about school-based youth sponsorship programs such as Anchored4Life and Student2Student. These peer-to-peer programs help your student adjust to and navigate their new school.

If your child would like to become a youth sponsor, contact your installation School Liaison Program or youth program/center.

Check-in

If you are unsure of where you should check in for your new command, call the combined bachelor quarters supervisor for directions and guidance as to proper check-in procedures. They can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 860-694-3416 or DSN 312-694-3416. All mail should be forwarded to your gaining command's address. Your sponsor can make arrangements for holding your mail until your arrival.

Important: Contact your gaining command to request a sponsor to assist you with your transition.

Make lodging arrangements in advance at Navy Gateway Inn and Suites. Obtain a waiver if you and your family members cannot be accommodated. Then you can contact the Navy Lodge at 860-6446-3119 to make lodging arrangements. You must provide them the waiver in order to be reimbursed. The Navy will allow up to two pets provided the weight of each pet does not exceed 70 pounds. Your sponsor can provide information on kennel and boarding arrangements for pets that exceed the capacity of the Navy Lodge. For more information, call the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites at 860-693-3416 or Navy Lodge at 860-446-3119 The Groton Chalet at 860-445-6699. NOTE: you should first call the Navy Gateway Inn's and Suites, before the Navy Lodge or the Chalet.

Check-in procedures: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/naval-submarine-base-new-london/base-essentials/check-in-procedures