December 15, 2020 – EB Fire Department Raises $4,500, Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Adopt-A-Family Effort

You are currently viewing December 15, 2020 – EB Fire Department Raises $4,500, Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Adopt-A-Family Effort
A fire truck with the Christmas wreath on the front.

This year’s holiday season looks and feels different than ever before. While the holidays are typically stressful for many, COVID-19 has brought with it added pressure and worry that affects us all.

This year we saw family get-togethers and vacations cancelled, and social distancing become the new normal. We saw schools switch to virtual or part-time learning, causing added stress for parents and students as they had to adopt new and unfamiliar routines. We also saw businesses struggle or close, resulting in financial struggles for families throughout our community and nation. For many, having funds to purchase gifts for loved ones or to prepare a holiday meal this year will be difficult, if not impossible.

Despite all of the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we also saw people coming together to help others during this difficult time, raising money through fundraisers or donating to local food banks and shelters. There’s no doubt that there is a greater need than ever before to support one another and offer a helping hand to those who are struggling. With this in mind, the Electric Boat Fire Department rallied together this year, raising money to “adopt” families in need this holiday season.

This Adopt-A-Family effort was headed by EB Firefighters Doug Harreys and Stuart Coleman, who made it their mission to ensure families in our surrounding community experience cheer this holiday season. Over the course of two weeks, the EB Fire Department raised $4,500 by selling t-shirts on the EB Forum, social media and through word of mouth. With the money raised, they will adopt both EB families and families in the area, purchasing gifts and providing them with a meal they can cook and enjoy together. The money raised by the Fire Department is enough to adopt seven families for the holidays. Starting today, December 15, the gifts and meals will start being delivered to the families, ensuring all are delivered by December 22.

The EB Fire Department has demonstrated that we can create our own holiday spirit by understanding and relating to the struggles our fellow community members are facing, and bringing some hope to those most in need. Caring, celebrating and being there for others is one holiday tradition that COVID cannot take from us. Thank you to Doug Harreys, Stuart Coleman and the entire EB Fire Department for your efforts to bring comfort to those in need this holiday season.

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→

Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series

General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country.  The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→

Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative

In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.​

Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award

We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington

Electric Boat broke ground Wednesda​​y on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased​​ the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→

Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963

​Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→

Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings

EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events. ​​