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!
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
​Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
​Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
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→
