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.”
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→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
