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
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country. The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
Rayha Report Ep. 17: Impact of EB’s Donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
L-R: M. Rayha, A. Stockton, D. Sears-Graves In the latest installment of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Anne Stockton, VP of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, about the positive impact EB’s recent donation has had on...Continue reading→
