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.”
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
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→
