Electric Boat recently held our third annual High School Signing Days in Connecticut and Rhode Island, celebrating 389-and-counting high school students who have chosen to pursue a career in shipbuilding at EB following graduation. Since kicking off our first Signing Days just three years ago, EB has increased the number of students signing on to our team by 500%, growing from 77 students in 2022, 269 in 2023 and just under 400 this year. An exciting day for EB, our future generation of shipbuilders and their loved ones, Signing Day serves as a warm welcome to our new talent, and inspires students coming out of high school to see the great opportunities that come with a career in the trades at EB.
Connecticut’s Signing Day took place on May 29 at Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School, where students from 24 participating schools in Connecticut and Rhode Island were congratulated for accepting offers to work at EB’s Groton shipyard following graduation. The 210 Connecticut signees were welcomed by EB President Kevin Graney, followed by remarks from Sen. Richard Blumenthal; Rep. Joe Courtney; Sean Scanlon, Connecticut State Comptroller; Dr. Ellen Solek, Executive Director of Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS); Navy representatives and union leadership. In his remarks, Graney shared words from a recently retired EB shipbuilder reflecting on his 48-year career. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting remarkable people with endless talent, who all had the desire to be the best shipbuilders in the world, and they achieved that title,” said Graney, assuring the students “That’s the career and life experience you’ve signed up for by joining Electric Boat.” Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School won the annual CT Signing Day Award, given to the school with the highest percentage of students accepting offers to join EB. Come graduation, 20% of Grasso’s senior class will begin their careers in Groton.
In Rhode Island, Signing Day was held at the Rhode Island State House for students from 36 high schools across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey. One hundred seventy nine signees were recognized, who will each join the EB team at the Quonset Point facility. Students heard from Joe Shekarchi, Rhode Island State Representative and Speaker of the House; EB’s Mark Rayha, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Sen. Jack Reed; Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse; Rep. Seth Magaziner; Rep. Gabe Amo; Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; Dr. Javier Montanez, Providence Public Schools Superintendent and Navy representatives. “At the end of the day, you’ll know the rewards of having created something with your hands. And, to be honest, it’s hard work. But, if you put in the effort, you’ll learn, grow and know the satisfaction that comes from doing work that matters,” said Rayha in his welcoming remarks. The RI Signing Day Award was given to Providence Career and Technical High School, with 15% of their senior class going to Quonset Point.
At both Signing Days, students received their own hard hat, color-coded to their specialized trade. Equipped with the support of their loved ones, a passion for their trade and their first piece of PPE, all that’s between them and their first day aboard the EB team is graduation. Congratulations to all students for beginning the journey towards a fulfilling and meaningful career, and thank you to the participating schools and staff for your continued support of our soon-to-be shipbuilders. ​
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
