On February 7, EB turned 120 years old, and Sam Grills has been on the job for more than half that time. A structural designer in D471, Grills now holds the record as EB’s longest-serving active employee with 62 years of service. The 81-year old joined EB in 1956, fresh out of Westerly High School.
Grills has witnessed, firsthand, EB’s entire lineup of nuclear submarines. Although he wasn’t yet an employee when Nautilus (SSN 571) launched, his older brother was; he got Grills a ticket to see the first nuclear submarine slide into the Thames river from the South Yard Ways on Jan. 21, 1954.
“The first nuclear Seawolf (SSN 575) was birthed right next to it,” said Grills. “Then, when I joined EB in 1956, the company was about six months out from launching Skate (SSN 578), the third nuclear submarine.”
Grills recalls how the company created the first ballistic-missile submarine. “They were building the 585 (Skipjack) class, when they got the contract to put the missile compartment on one of the boats. They took the 589 boat, the Scorpion, which was pretty near built on the shipyard ways, spread apart the bow and stern, and put the missile compartment in the middle. That’s how the first SSBN, USS George Washington, came to be. They built another Scorpion, which, tragically, was lost at sea in 1968.”
Grills was hired in as an apprentice draftsman, became a journeyman shipfitter and then transferred to the drawing room eight years later. “Upon reflection, I’m glad I had those eight years in the shipyard; you can’t buy experience like that,” said Grills. That experience included a few arctic-cold winters in the early 1960’s.
“Back then all the floors were dirt in the construction ways. In the winter, they would have a big coke (coal derivative) bin, for heating. You’d go in and fill a five-gallon bucket and throw it in what they called the salamander, a stove fabricated from a big barrel connected to an air hose. We’d stand in front of it, roasting on one side and freezing on the other. I’ll never forget those cold snaps.”
Grills worked on Triton, SSRN 586, the only U.S. submarine with twin nuclear reactors, and the largest submarine of its time. During her shakedown cruise, Triton successfully executed the first submerged circumnavigation of the world, following the same track as the first circumnavigation led by Ferdinand Magellan. A few years back, Grills was interviewed and filmed for the PBS documentary Triton: America’s Deep Secret, which premiered on PBS stations in the fall of 2018.
For all the EB history he’s lived, Grill’s advice for new employees hasn’t changed much over the years: “Get up, dress up, show up. Keep breathing.”
Employee Advisory: May 20 Travel Delays Expected in Groton and New London
Employees should anticipate significant travel delays on Wednesday, May 20, due to the presidential visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Local police departments in Groton and New London have announced road closures, travel restrictions and extensive no‑parking zones beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. Temporary intersection and roadway closures are expected...Continue reading→
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.
