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!
Electric Boat Earns Top National Recognition in Military Times Best for Vets: Employers 2026 Rankings
Electric Boat continues to be recognized as a leading employer for veterans, service members, and military families, earning the #76 spot among 247 employers nationwide in the Military Times Best for Vets: Employers 2026 rankings. The recognition highlights the company’s longstanding commitment to recruiting, developing, supporting, and retaining veterans and military-connected talent across our workforce....Continue reading→
On the Waterfront, the Future Arizona is Coming to Life
An intricate, high-stakes choreography in Electric Boat’s North Yard is bringing the future Arizona (SSGN 803) to life as shipbuilders, led by Ship’s Manager Josh Leaf, continue to meet major milestones assembling the first submarine that features the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). In just a matter of weeks, EB teams in Groton and Quonset Point...Continue reading→
2026 Veterans Day Observances
Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for Electric Boat’s annual Veterans Day observances, as we gather together to honor our service members past and present. There will be ceremonies held for first-, second- and third-shift employees in Groton and Quonset Point. 2026 Veterans Day commemorative pins will be available for those in attendance. If...Continue reading→
Introducing the Native Americans & Indigenous People of Electric Boat (NAIP) Employee Resource Group
Electric Boat (EB) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce while contributing to the success of our business. Formed to raise awareness and celebrate different cultures, communities, and experiences, these employee‑led groups foster a stronger sense of unity and belonging. ERGs cultivate an inclusive environment where employees can connect,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 30: 40-Year Dinner Celebrates EB’s Distinguished Shipbuilders
Electric Boat recently held the annual 40-Year Shipbuilder Dinner at the Mystic Marriott, honoring the newest class of Distinguished Shipbuilders for their contributions to EB and our nation’s defense. Watch the latest Rayha Report to hear from a few of these shipbuilders as they reflect on their career in conversation with EB President Mark Rayha....Continue reading→
EB Supports 45th Annual MLK Scholarship Awards
Electric Boat was proud to serve as a scholarship sponsor for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund at its 45th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. More than 600 community members gathered to celebrate this year’s extraordinary cohort of 2026 MLK Scholars. These 13 outstanding students were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, character,...Continue reading→
Building the Future: EB’s New Central Distribution Hub
In April, Electric Boat (EB) began construction on the new central distribution hub for its warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, CT. Since then, the 480,000‑square‑foot next‑generation warehouse facility has quickly taken shape. All wall panels are now complete, and construction is ahead of schedule. The facility will celebrate...Continue reading→
Delivering the Future
Some imagine the future. We deliver it now.
State-of-the-Art Simulator Prepares District of Columbia Crew for its Mission
As construction of the District of Columbia (SSBN 826) continues apace in EB’s South Yard Assembly Building, the sailors who will soon be at the controls are spending hours in a dynamic, high-tech simulator learning the intricacies of operating the 21,000-ton, first-in-class boomer. The Columbia Ship Control Operator Trainer (CSCOT) is a replica of the...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of USS Groton Sail Monument
Fifty years after the USS Groton (SSN‑694) first launched, dozens gathered outside the Groton Public Library Oct. 9 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the USS Groton Sail Monument. The $6.6 million project—three decades in the making—will honor the men and women who design, build, operate and maintain the Navy’s submarines, as well as the families...Continue reading→
