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.”
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→
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→
