Electric Boat celebrated the topping off milestone for its South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) on March 10, 2022, when the last beam was placed atop the structure. Electric Boat leadership, members of EB’s Facilities Master Plan (FMP) team, the staff and employees of AECOM; the General Contractor, Berlin Steel; the structural steel erector, and several of SYAB’s construction contractors gathered in EB’s Groton South Yard on Thursday to witness and celebrate the final roof truss being lifted and set into place.
Those in attendance were invited to sign the truss before its placement atop the building where the ballistic-missile and attack submarines needed to defend our nation through this century and beyond will be assembled and tested before delivery to the U.S. Navy.
“We need this building to keep us safe, our families safe and the world safe,” said Joe Drake, EB’s vice president of real estate and facilities. “The last five years we’ve been building, and now we’re in the home stretch.”
The South Yard Assembly Building is the centerpiece of General Dynamics Electric Boat’s $1.85 billion facilities expansion project at Groton and Quonset Point to support construction of the Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines—the nation’s top strategic defense priority. The project was designed by Jacobs Engineering Group.
For nearly 15 years, Electric Boat has been working on plans to execute the design and construction of this crucial program, and has hired and trained thousands of new skilled tradespeople and collaborated with its suppliers to prepare for expanded demand in support of construction. The Columbia program is now in full-scale production, with construction of the lead ship, Columbia, nearing 17% complete. Last May, advance construction for the second ship, Wisconsin, began.
This 200,000 square-foot building is the largest construction project to take place at Electric Boat in over 50 years. Expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023, the SYAB will be home to 1,400 skilled shipbuilders who will deliver the Columbia Class to the U.S. Navy beginning in 2027.
“2027 may seem a long ways away,” said Capt. Andrew Gillespy, USN, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair, Groton. But before we know it, he continued, “we’re going to see the Columbia—20,000 tons of American sovereignty—sail down the river.”
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→
