Electric Boat (EB) christened Virginia-class submarine PCU Idaho (SSN 799) on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at a ceremony held in the assembly building at EB’s Groton shipyard. Over 4,000 people, including EB shipbuilders and guests, members of the ship’s crew and their families, U.S. Navy personnel and government officials were in attendance to witness the christening of Idaho—a major milestone in the ship’s life.
Saturday’s ceremony opened with remarks from EB President Kevin Graney, followed by Vice President of Navy Programs at Newport News Shipbuilding, Bryan Caccavale; U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT); U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (ID); U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT); Governor Brad Little (ID); Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz (CT); Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Admiral William Houston; Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, Nickolas Guertin; and Ship Sponsor of PCU Idaho, Teresa (Terry) Stackley.
In his opening remarks, Graney applauded EB shipbuilders for their work on SSN 799, the fourth U.S. Navy warship and the first U.S. Navy submarine to carry the name Idaho—a state with strong ties to the U.S. Navy. Home to the National Reactor Testing Station, known today as the Idaho National Laboratory, the S1W reactor prototype for the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, was developed in Idaho. “When she joins the fleet, the first U.S. submarine named Idaho will proudly represent her state and its history with our nation’s nuclear Navy,” said Graney.
Graney also pointed out the challenges EB shipbuilders had to overcome to get Idaho to her christening milestone. In addition to completing a significant portion of Idaho’s construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Idaho team worked meticulously to achieve the pressure hull complete milestone in the shortest period of time from arrival of the last hull module of any Block IV boat. “This attention to detail by Idaho’s shipbuilders succeeded in getting “the gem of the fleet” ready for final testing and float off,” said Graney.
Admiral Houston delivered remarks before introducing the keynote speaker, where he referred to PCU Idaho as an apex predator. “This is our national security standing behind us, and I have never been more proud to be an admiral in the United States Navy then today,” said Houston.
Sworn in as assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition in December 2023, Nickolas Guertin has a four-decade combined military and civilian career. His keynote address underscored the importance of submarines to our nation’s defense. “We are a nation that projects power—powerful ships like Idaho here—that enable the nation’s power projection,” said Guertin. “Building advanced submarines like this is one of the best ways we can bring our capability to the world, and we intend for it to stay that way.” Guertin expressed his gratitude for the “ship’s designers, builders and sailors who transform ships like the Idaho from technical drawings to reality.”
Idaho’s ship sponsor, Terry Stackley, has a life-long relationship to the Navy. Her father served as a Navy communications technician prior to taking on a career in naval design, and after climbing the ranks at private shipyards on the Eastern seaboard, he returned to public service with the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C. Terry married Sean Stackley, who completed his career in uniform and served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2008 to 2017. “Some half a century ago or so, when I was much, much younger, my father worked here at Electric Boat as a naval engineer,” said Terry. “Much has changed since the days when my dad walked the deckplates here. Let me offer, however, that much remains the same. Electric Boat is today, as it has been throughout its 125-year history, unparalleled in expert craftsmanship and dedication.”
To commemorate the christening, Terry Stackley broke a bottle of sparkling water from Idaho’s rivers, streams and lakes on the ship’s hull. Accompanying her on the christening platform was her maid of honor, Erin Stackley, matrons of honor, Tess Stackley and Maura Langer, Kevin Graney, Admiral Houston and Secretary Guertin.
A recording of the ceremony, along with more information on Idaho, is available at gdebchristenings.com.
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→
