John Holland, the inventor of the first U.S. Navy submarine, was born in County Clare, Ireland, February 24, 1842.
On February 7, 1899, American businessman Isaac Rice incorporated the Electric Boat Company to complete a 54-foot submersible vessel developed by John Philip Holland. One year later, the world’s first practical submarine, the Holland, was accepted by the U.S. Navy, marking the beginning of the U.S. Submarine Force.
This week we celebrate Electric Boat’s 120th birthday. Spanning three centuries, through world wars and economic ups and downs, our company has maintained an unwavering focus – to ensure our nation’s defense.
During World War I and just after, Electric Boat built 85 submarines for the U.S. Navy while its subsidiaries built 722 submarine chasers and 118 Liberty ships. Over the course of World War II, Electric Boat produced 74 submarines and 398 patrol torpedo boats, including the famous PT 109 commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy.
After both World Wars, with fewer orders for submarines, the shipyard stayed busy building yachts, schooners and commercial fishing vessels. Creative diversification after WW II saw printing presses, truck bodies and even automated bowling alley pin-setters rolling off the production lines. In 1950, with Cold War tensions mounting, EB’s destiny was forever changed when the company took on the challenge posed by Capt. Hyman Rickover to design and build the first nuclear-powered submarine.
In 1955, on sea trials, the USS Nautilus sent the historic message: “Underway on nuclear power.”
EB’s innovations have never stopped, including the Navy’s first fleet ballistic-missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), which went on strategic deterrent patrol in 1960. In the succeeding decades, EB has designed, built and sustained ever-more capable and stealthy attack submarines, culminating in the Virginia class, pioneering research vessels like the NR-1 and the sea-based, survivable leg of our country’s strategic nuclear force, the Ohio Class, with its next-generation replacement, Columbia, underway.
Through the changing times and challenges of the last 120 years, there’s been one constant – our talented, creative and hardworking employees. It’s an honor for me to lead a company with such a storied history and a very bright future.
Thank you for the work you do to deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families and our freedom.
Happy Birthday Electric Boat!
Jeff Geiger
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
