On November 12, Electric Boat delivered the Moored Training Ship La Jolla (MTS 701) to the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in South Carolina, following a three-day tow from Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The new MTS provides a training platform for naval officers and enlisted personnel in operation, maintenance and supervision of naval nuclear propulsion plants.
The NPTU is a technical school operated by the U.S. Navy in Goose Creek, South Carolina to train enlisted sailors, officers, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory civilians and Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory civilians for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines in the U.S. nuclear navy.
“The delivery of MTS La Jolla to the Navy is an important milestone for Electric Boat, and further demonstrates our strong support of our national defense,” said EB President Kevin Graney. “I commend the hundreds of EB shipbuilders who worked to safely deliver these high-quality training platforms to our Navy, on time and under budget.”
MTS La Jolla replaces an existing moored training ship, MTS Sam Rayburn (MTS 635) and is the first of two new moored training ships to be delivered to the Navy. This conversion was the largest and most complex project of its kind, requiring significant teamwork between Electric Boat, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, FMP/KAPL and NAVSEA. To construct MTS La Jolla, a 688-class submarine was cut in half. The propulsion plant was retained and upgraded, and a new forward end, consisting of four Electric Boat-designed-and-built modules, was welded to the legacy aft end by Electric Boat.
Electric Boat was the lead design yard and major hull module construction yard on the Moored Training Ship program, which is a $1.2 billion project for the company. EB provided engineering/design support for the duration of construction, a unique, joint effort between EB and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The conversion concept design started in 2010, and during peak of design, employed 750 engineering/design personnel. Module construction began at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point, RI facility in 2012, and the first module was delivered to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 2015.
EB constructed and delivered the modules on or before scheduled delivery dates and construction was performed under cost, with over 600 construction personnel contributing at its peak. EB continues to provide technical, construction and test support at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for the second Moored Training Ship, MTS San Francisco (MTS 711), which is scheduled to be delivered in 2021.
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→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
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→
