Electric Boat was privileged to host the newly sworn in U.S. Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper, at the Groton shipyard on Tuesday, August 27, just one month into his tenure. Esper was joined by General Dynamics (GD), Navy and elected officials, signaling the importance of submarine programs to our company and our country.
The group included GD CEO & Chairman Phebe Novakovic; Rob Smith, Executive VP of GD Marine Group; James “Hondo” Geurts, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont; Conn. Congressman Joe Courtney; Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal of Conn. and Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
Esper began his tour with a company overview provided by EB President Jeff Geiger, followed by walk-throughs of the Combat & Control System Module Off-Hull Assembly &Test Site (COATS) and Building 260.
Outside of Building 8N, Esper spoke with EB shipbuilders and the crew of USS South Dakota (SSN 790).
“It’s my fourth week on the job, and it’s a great privilege to be here,” Esper told the group. “Thank you for what you do. It’s a great example of the cooperation and collaboration between hardworking Americans, all committed to the same mission—deterring conflict around the globe, particularly on the high seas. It’s a model of American hard work, ingenuity and cooperation.”
When asked about the importance of the Virginia-class attack submarines, Esper replied, “We are back to the era of great-power competition between the U.S., Russia and now China. We have a distinct advantage in undersea warfare, with both our attack boats and boomers. They are innovative, well-built machines of war, and we have to maintain that overmatch. That means we have to continue to grow the fleet and build capabilities into each version, whether it’s this block or the succeeding block.”
Esper began his tour with a company overview provided by EB President Jeff Geiger, followed by walk-throughs of the Combat & Control System Module Off-Hull Assembly & Test Site (COATS) and Building 260.
Outside of Building 8N, Esper spoke with EB shipbuilders and the crew of USS South Dakota (SSN 790).
“It’s my fourth week on the job, and it’s a great privilege to be here,” Esper told the group. “Thank you for what you do. It’s a great example of the
cooperation and collaboration between hardworking Americans, all committed to the same mission—deterring conflict around the globe, particularly on the high seas. It’s a model of American hard work, ingenuity and cooperation.”
When asked about the importance of the Virginia-class attack submarines, Esper replied, “We are back to the era of great-power competition between the U.S., Russia and now China. We have a distinct advantage in undersea warfare, with both our attack boats and boomers. They are innovative, well-built machines of war, and we have to maintain that overmatch. That means we have to continue to grow the fleet and build capabilities into each version, whether it’s this block or the succeeding block.”
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→
