This Sunday, February 6, 2022, the Electric Boat Fire Department will conduct a fire training exercise involving area emergency response personnel, including 47 firefighters/EMTs from several surrounding towns. The exercise, which will take place at EB’s Groton shipyard, will act as a “walkthrough” prior to an official drill tentatively scheduled for March of this year. It’s important to note that this weekend’s exercise is not an emergency, but a way to practice and plan in the case of an actual fire on-board a submarine. Jeff Chandler, EB’s Fire Chief, and Eric Deschamps, EB’s Deputy Fire Chief, are two of the many individuals who will play an integral role in carrying out Sunday’s exercise.
Jeff Chandler became Electric Boat’s Fire Chief in November of last year, with over 35 years of experience in emergency services, focusing on hazardous materials, technical rescue and of course, firefighting. After obtaining his degree in Fire Technology and Administration, he began fire service as a volunteer in 1985 before making it his full-time career. Prior to joining the EB Fire Department, Jeff worked for the state of Connecticut, carrying out a 20-year stint with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, where his main focus was hazardous emergencies. “This is the first time a drill like this has been carried out at Electric Boat,” said Jeff. “It was never done before the 8010 standard.”
The fire that occurred on USS Miami (SSN 755) in May 2012 brought about a new set of instructions to better train crews in the case of a fire, and in 2018, the Industrial Ship Safety Manual for Fire Prevention and Response, or the 8010 manual, was formed. Under this manual, training is much more proactive, integrated and disciplined. All sailors are trained in firefighting, Jeff explained, but that incident proved it can easily become a challenge that’s tough to handle in such tight quarters. This exercise will allow the Electric Boat Fire Department, EB Security and surrounding emergency response personnel to “walk through the standard, make sure we have the right number of personnel responding and ensure that what is on paper will work.”
Deputy Chief, Eric Deschamps, worked at EB’s Fire Department from 1988 – 1996 before taking an opportunity at the Mohegan Tribal Fire Dept. He returned to Electric Boat in November 2021 and notes several positive changes since he was here last. The Fire Department now operates in-line with most municipal departments. Previously operating on three, eight-hour shifts, Eric explained that now, the 29 members of the department work 24-hours on, followed by 48-hours off. This schedule fosters productivity, job satisfaction and what both Jeff and Eric consider a “tight-knit, family atmosphere,” noting the nightly family style meals that take place in the fire house.
Not only is the department more modernized with advanced apparatus, Eric noted, but the shipyard itself has changed immensely. “When I was here last, we were working on the LA and Trident class. Now, the shipyard is consolidated, there’s progress on new construction, and returning was a great career opportunity.”
When it comes to Jeff and Eric’s vision for the Electric Boat Fire Department, there’s no shortage of goals. Both hope to further develop the skills of each firefighter, continue to modernize the department, progress along with the new and improved standard and most importantly, “continue keeping EB’s workforce safe.”
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
