 The squadron was formed to take over responsibility for the submarine-based nuclear deterrent in the Pacific from Submarine Squadron 1, which at the time operated submarines carrying the Regulus cruise missile.Four of the seven submarines scheduled for this squadron were being built at the time, and the submarine tender was undergoing overhaul at the Charleston Naval Shipyard.During the first few months, the squadron established headquarters at Pearl Harbor and laid groundwork for Polaris Operations in the Pacific.