On August 24, Ship Sponsor Terry Stackley authenticated the keel of PCU Idaho (SSN-799) at a ceremony held in Quonset Point’s Building 9, which recently has come online to provide over eight acres of new manufacturing space dedicated to the assembly and outfitting of new Virginia and Columbia-class submarines. “Today we celebrate the keel-laying of Idaho, the 26th ship of the Virginia class,” said Electric Boat President Kevin Graney in his remarks. “In fact, the area of this building where we’ve gathered today is where we are building Idaho’s first super-module, the large center section of the ship that will move on to Groton for final assembly in a year’s time.” SSN-799 will be the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named in recognition of the 43rd state.
EB leadership, Quonset Point employees and the future crew of PCU Idaho were present at Monday’s keel laying. Special guests were also in attendance and introduced by Vice President of Quonset Point Operations, Sean Davies. Along with Terry Stackley and her family, the guests included Captain Andrew Gillespie of SUPSHIP Groton, Captain Andrew Miller, Commander of Sub Squadron FOUR in Groton, the former Governor of Idaho, Dirk Kempthorne and Quonset Point’s Master Shipbuilders—QP employees who this year, have given 40 years of service or more to Electric Boat. “Thank you for your service to the Navy, the country and to your coworkers,” said Davies.
As ship sponsor, Mrs. Stackley is no stranger to the Navy. Her father served and worked in private shipyards throughout the eastern seaboard, including Electric Boat Groton in the 1960’s. Her connection to the Navy continued to grow after meeting her husband, Sean, who served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2008 to 2017. Mrs. Stackley dedicated nearly four decades as a Navy wife, and will now dedicate her time to serving Idaho and her crew throughout the ship’s service life.
“The machinery you use to accomplish this task is truly remarkable,” Stackley said. “More remarkable, however, are the dedication, skills, and patriotism of the men and women here at Electric Boat. The finest submarines in the world are being built by your hands, beginning right here at Quonset Point.” Addressing the employees in the audience, she continued, stating that “your great legacy has been passed on from generation to generation, stretching all the way back to 1899, and so it’s no wonder that this is not just a job for you. This is your passion. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
Following remarks from Stackley, Davies introduced QP employee Tim Cashman, who was chosen to weld Stackley’s initials on the steel plate that will be installed on the bottom centerline of submarine Idaho, also known as the keel. Cashman began his career at Electric Boat on third shift in 1976—44 years ago. In his spare time, he volunteers for two local theater groups, building sets and helping with productions, and is also involved in his CERT Community Emergency Response Team. His wife, sister and three children were in attendance to offer their support. Once the weld was complete, Terry Stackley declared the keel of PCU Idaho to be “truly and fairly laid.”
“In a few short years, when the magnificent USS Idaho goes to sea, she’ll be equipped with the finest technology our country produces to ensure she can safely and reliably perform her mission. Her greatest strength, however, will not be her technology. It will be the men and women who sail in her,” said Stackley.
Scroll down to view photos from the keel laying ceremony:
On the Waterfront, the Future Arizona is Coming to Life
An intricate, high-stakes choreography in Electric Boat’s North Yard is bringing the future Arizona (SSGN 803) to life as shipbuilders, led by Ship’s Manager Josh Leaf, continue to meet major milestones assembling the first submarine that features the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). In just a matter of weeks, EB teams in Groton and Quonset Point...Continue reading→
2026 Veterans Day Observances
Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for Electric Boat’s annual Veterans Day observances, as we gather together to honor our service members past and present. There will be ceremonies held for first-, second- and third-shift employees in Groton and Quonset Point. 2026 Veterans Day commemorative pins will be available for those in attendance. If...Continue reading→
Introducing the Native Americans & Indigenous People of Electric Boat (NAIP) Employee Resource Group
Electric Boat (EB) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce while contributing to the success of our business. Formed to raise awareness and celebrate different cultures, communities, and experiences, these employee‑led groups foster a stronger sense of unity and belonging. ERGs cultivate an inclusive environment where employees can connect,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 30: 40-Year Dinner Celebrates EB’s Distinguished Shipbuilders
Electric Boat recently held the annual 40-Year Shipbuilder Dinner at the Mystic Marriott, honoring the newest class of Distinguished Shipbuilders for their contributions to EB and our nation’s defense. Watch the latest Rayha Report to hear from a few of these shipbuilders as they reflect on their career in conversation with EB President Mark Rayha....Continue reading→
EB Supports 45th Annual MLK Scholarship Awards
Electric Boat was proud to serve as a scholarship sponsor for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund at its 45th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. More than 600 community members gathered to celebrate this year’s extraordinary cohort of 2026 MLK Scholars. These 13 outstanding students were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, character,...Continue reading→
Building the Future: EB’s New Central Distribution Hub
In April, Electric Boat (EB) began construction on the new central distribution hub for its warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, CT. Since then, the 480,000‑square‑foot next‑generation warehouse facility has quickly taken shape. All wall panels are now complete, and construction is ahead of schedule. The facility will celebrate...Continue reading→
Delivering the Future
Some imagine the future. We deliver it now.
State-of-the-Art Simulator Prepares District of Columbia Crew for its Mission
As construction of the District of Columbia (SSBN 826) continues apace in EB’s South Yard Assembly Building, the sailors who will soon be at the controls are spending hours in a dynamic, high-tech simulator learning the intricacies of operating the 21,000-ton, first-in-class boomer. The Columbia Ship Control Operator Trainer (CSCOT) is a replica of the...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of USS Groton Sail Monument
Fifty years after the USS Groton (SSN‑694) first launched, dozens gathered outside the Groton Public Library Oct. 9 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the USS Groton Sail Monument. The $6.6 million project—three decades in the making—will honor the men and women who design, build, operate and maintain the Navy’s submarines, as well as the families...Continue reading→
A Celebration of Heart, Community and Victory
2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk Recap Saturday, October 3, 2026 | UConn Avery Point The 2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk at UConn Avery Point was nothing short of extraordinary. Under bright autumn skies, 26 incredible Electric Boat teams and 151 walkers came together with passion, purpose, and unstoppable energy...Continue reading→
