The Russian name consists of Дивизия (diviziya - division) АПЛ (APL as an abbreviation of Атомная подводная лодка - Atomic Submarine) СФ (SF as an abbreviation of Severni flot - Northern Fleet) and the division number 24 together.

With the Soviet Union launching submarines equipped with cruise missiles, the Soviet Navy, formed new formations to operate them.

The formation of the 24th Division was ordered by the Chief of Staff of the Navy from 11 May 1985 and implemented in the same year largely.

Submarines were taken from existing formations and assigned to the newly formed division.

First commander of the newly created division was Captain First Rank Vladimir Mikhaylovich Monastyrshin.