In celebration of EB’s 120th birthday, over the last week, we’ve been sharing historical tidbits about the company through a variety of channels including Jeff Geiger’s EB Bulletin, the WIBs, Homeport, EB Landing and EB’s social media channels:
Test your knowledge by answering the questions below. The answers are provided in a link at the end of the quiz.
1.In 1775, CT’s David Bushnell built the very first torpedo boat and the first underwater craft to employ a screw propeller. What’s the name of this boat?
2.John Holland, the inventor of the first U.S. Navy submarine, was born where and when?
a.Groton, CT, United States, July 4, 1846
b.Liverpool, England, February 7, 1849
c.County Clare, Ireland, February 24, 1842
3.Who was Electric Boat’s first President?
4.What year did the first U.S. Navy Submarine, USS Holland (S-1) join the fleet?
5.Who was the first U.S. President to dive below the surface in an EB submarine?
a.William McKinley
b.Theodore Roosevelt
c.William Howard Taft
6.In what year did EB acquire the New London Ship and Engine Co. in Groton, CT?
a.1899
b.1906
c.1911
d.1916
7.In 1917, which became the first U.S. submarine to cross the Atlantic Ocean under its own power?
8.The first submarine built by Electric Boat at the Groton shipyard was the R-1, launched in 1926. Which country was it built for?
a.Great Britain
b.The U.S.
c.Russia
d.Peru
9.In 1933 the first submarine built for the U.S. Navy at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard was launched. What was its name?
10.In what year did EB begin hiring women to perform construction work and welding tasks that had previously been performed exclusively by men?
a.1941
b.1942
c.1943
d.1944
11.How many submarines and patrol torpedo (PT) boats did EB produce over the course of WWII?
12.Which U.S. President famously commanded a PT boat that was cut in half by a Japanese destroyer in the South Pacific in 1943?
13.Between and after the world wars, EB kept the production lines busy by diversifying. Name one non-submarine product the company produced during these times.
14.What year did Capt. Hyman Rickover set the challenge for a nuclear-powered submarine?
15.In what year did the USS Nautilus declare “underway on nuclear power”?
16.How many U.S. First Ladies (future, current and former) have sponsored U.S. Navy nuclear submarines?
17.Electric Boat has pioneered the design and production of a number of small research submarines. Name one.
18.In what year did the Navy’s first fleet ballistic-missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), go on its first strategic deterrent patrol?
a.1959
b.1960
c.1962
19.In what year was Quonset Point’s frame and cylinder manufacturing facility completed?
a.1976
b.1979
c.1980
20.What year was USS Virginia (SSN 774), the lead ship of the Virginia class, christened?
a.2002
b.2003
c.2004
21.In what year will the first Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine go on patrol?
a.2028
b.2031
c.2033
There will be a separate story uploaded with the quiz answers.
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
