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. ​
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 Wednesda​​y 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→
