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.
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
During his remarks at the Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit held on July 15 at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, President Donald Trump introduced attendee Danny Deep, president of General Dynamics. In his quick words to Danny, President Trump recognized General Dynamics for building “the greatest submarines in the world.” Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
In this episode of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Matt Olander, senior vice president of programs and engineering, about his personal career journey and recent return to UConn’s College of Engineering as an honorary degree recipient and 2026 commencement speaker. Watch Matt’s commencement speech on the UConn College of Engineering YouTube channel.Continue reading→
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→
