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.
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
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→
