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.”
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→
