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!
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country. The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
Rayha Report Ep. 17: Impact of EB’s Donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
L-R: M. Rayha, A. Stockton, D. Sears-Graves In the latest installment of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Anne Stockton, VP of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, about the positive impact EB’s recent donation has had on...Continue reading→
