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!
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→
A Celebration of Heart, Community and Victory
2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk Recap Saturday, October 3, 2026 | UConn Avery Point The 2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk at UConn Avery Point was nothing short of extraordinary. Under bright autumn skies, 26 incredible Electric Boat teams and 151 walkers came together with passion, purpose, and unstoppable energy...Continue reading→
Quonset Point Donation Will Help Keep Mystic Aquarium’s Belugas Cool
Juno, the Mystic Aquarium’s convivial, photo-bombing Beluga whale, will continue swimming in cool comfort thanks to an unlikely chain of events that began 40 miles east in an Electric Boat industrial building at Quonset Point. That’s where EB’s Russ Tatro and Chris Logan were going over plans with a vendor, Carrier Corp., to replace Building...Continue reading→
EB Team Visits Hypertherm as Part of Drive Toward Modern, Efficient Shipbuilding
A team from Groton and Quonset Point headed to New Hampshire-based Hypertherm Associates this week to get a closer look at a modern automated plasma gouging process designed to streamline hull fabrication. The visit was part of a broader effort across Electric Boat to bring more advanced, state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing tools into the shipyard. EB plans...Continue reading→
Kamal Mohamed Recognized as 2026 Hartford Business Journal 40 Under Forty Award Recipient
The Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) 40 Under Forty Awards recognize outstanding young professionals in the Greater Hartford area who are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. They are driven by success, motivated by challenges and are role models for their peers. These individuals are part of an outstanding class of upcoming business leaders...Continue reading→
Electric Boat Joins Regional Leaders for Military Appreciation Breakfast
Electric Boat employees joined military and community leaders for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s annual Military Appreciation Breakfast on Sept. 30 at Ocean Beach Park’s Port ‘N’ Starboard. The event provided more than 120 complimentary seats to active-duty service members from the Navy, Coast Guard and Connecticut National Guard. General Dynamics Electric Boat...Continue reading→
One Week Left—Let’s Claim the Torch! AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk: Final Countdown
We are just one week away from the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3, 2026, at UConn Avery Point and this is our moment to finish strong. We’ve built incredible momentum, and now we’re within striking distance of something big. Right now, Electric Boat is holding second place, behind Mohegan Sun by...Continue reading→
803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
