L-R: Lucas Marland, Donna Faxlanger, Jay Kilburn, Mario Dupuis, Bill Poulton, Nate Castracane, Elmer Church, Doug Dellarocco, Corey Sasur, Zach Bridgham, Ken Stephenson, Zach King, Kate Palmer, Rob Hill, Jen Dinoto.
Elmer Church has held the same job at Electric Boat for just over six decades—61 years to be exact. In 1962, he began his career as a storehouseman learner, a position that no longer exists, making $1.95 per hour. By December 1967, Elmer progressed to a warehouseman 1C, and in August 1976, was promoted to a specialist. Now set to retire at the age of 80, there’s no question that he’s seen—and lived—a lot of EB history.
In the early days of his career, Elmer asked to be one of the radiation material handlers in the yard. At this time, material control handled all movement of radiation material, and as one of three people responsible for this task, he was always on the move. Whether it was volunteering to support a minimally-staffed shift in unpredictable New England weather, or staying overnight and days-on-end to support material control, Elmer was no stranger to hard work and overtime.
Elmer spent a few years at a then-new warehouse space near Groton’s Poquonock River Boardwalk, known by many EB long-timers as Midway. New and high-tech for its time, he took charge of the space, ensuring it ran and operated seamlessly. Following time spent in some of the buffer warehouses, he transitioned to Main Stores on second shift, where he’s been for many years now. In all of his assignments, Elmer became the go-to guy known for his knowledge and willingness to help. His dedication and knowledge was evident to all he met throughout his career, and was applauded in two letters of commendation from the chief of material control in 1973, and former EB president, John Welch, in 1998.
Unbeknownst to Elmer, his peers saw a handful of personal traits that will contribute to his EB legacy. Should those he encountered follow in his lead, they will always show up on time, root for the Yankees, appreciate the reliability of a Toyota Camry and enjoy a daily dose of Raisin Bran, preferably at 4:15 p.m. Most importantly, the positive attitude, work ethic and knowledge he passed down will continue to benefit EB and its future shipbuilders now and for years to come.
The oldest of Elmer’s two sons retired before him, and he’s set to follow behind him at the end of this month. After 61 years of service and a boat load of vacation time, Elmer can now enjoy the hobbies he’s been saving for retirement. Thank you for your service, Elmer!
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
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→
