Above photo is from the 2017 Heart Walk.
Each year the American Heart Association (AHA) holds a Heart Walk to get people up and moving across the nation and raise awareness on heart disease and stroke. Participants walk to take a stand against heart disease and raise money for the AHA and their mission to fund lifesaving science and research. Due to COVID-19, the AHA’s annual Heart Walk went virtual this year, encouraging participants to walk at their own discretion, time and location over a period of four weeks.
Even during these challenging and unprecedented times, Electric Boat employees stepped up to the plate and took part in this year’s virtual Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association. EB’s Al Ayers, Director of Total Rewards, Health and Wellness, was the 2020 Executive Leader who spearheaded the American Heart Walk campaign this year at EB. A total of seven teams joined the virtual walk from Electric Boat.
The top fundraiser for the region and for Electric Boat was Mandy O’Dell from D436, who raised $1,960, beating out 270 other walkers. Mandy was also the leader of EB teams “The Mandy” and “Ely Team” – together, with ten other team members, they raised a total of $4,562. In the end, Electric Boat came in as the top company in the region out of 25 teams, raising a total of $7,107.
Since 2013, EB has had a friendly competition with Mohegan Sun to see who could raise the most funds for the AHA through the annual Heart Walk. EB had a running winning streak for three years (’13, ’14, ’15), with Mohegan taking the win the last four years (’16, ’17, ’18, ’19). This year we came back, beating our friendly rivals who raised $3,601. In 2013, Mohegan gifted EB with a trophy resembling the casino as a prize for winning, and in 2016, EB gave Mohegan a submarine model to congratulate them on their win. Now, a winner is declared solely for friendly bragging rights!
Overall, this year’s Heart Walk campaign was a success, with a grand total $106,758 raised from all the regional companies for the American Heart Association. Thank you to all who participated in this effort to raise funds, celebrate survivors and for taking steps to save lives.
803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
Remembering September 11
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of downtown Manhattan’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted in a series of coordinated attacks that would leave an everlasting imprint on our country’s psyche. As the events unfolded on that Tuesday morning, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, over 600 were injured...Continue reading→
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
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→
