EB President Mark Rayha being interviewed by Tina Detelj of WTNH-TV, News 8 Connecticut.
On Feb. 3, Electric Boat (EB) President Mark Rayha delivered annual legislative briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Rayha provided an overview of EB’s business including an update on key programs, facilities expansion and the company’s hiring and training initiatives.
Rayha reiterated that the Columbia class continues to be the Navy’s number-one strategic priority. “These ballistic-missile submarines will replace the Ohio class and serve as the backbone of our nation’s strategic deterrent well into the 2080s,” he said. “Lead ship District of Columbia (SSBN 826) is 53% complete while the second, Wisconsin (SSBN 827), is 14% finished.” Electric Boat will build and deliver 12 of these ships through 2040.
Describing progress on the Virginia class attack-submarine program, Rayha said that four Block IV ships and 10 Block V ships are currently under construction at EB and Newport News Shipbuilding.
“Last year EB and Newport News delivered Iowa (SSN 797) and New Jersey (SSN 796) to the fleet. EB also completed the USS Montana post shakedown availability (PSA) and the USS Oregon will complete her PSA early this year. This year Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding will deliver the Idaho (SSN 799) and the Massachusetts (SSN 798).”
Rayha thanked the federal congressional delegations from Connecticut and Rhode Island for their efforts ensuring Congress passed funding measures to support submarine design and construction along with critical supply chain issues. “In all, the delegation’s efforts resulted in more than $24 billion in fiscal year 2025 funding for submarines,” said Rayha.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine now three years old and China growing its military capabilities, “our nation needs submarines more than at any time in its history,” said Rayha. “The world’s not getting any safer.”
Mark Rayha during briefing at Mystic (CT) Marriott Hotel and Spa, Feb. 3, 2025.
On hiring, Rayha said that EB had added over 4,100 new employees in 2024; approximately 56% were in operations and the remaining 44% were engineers, designers and those in other support functions. “This year, we expect to welcome an additional 3,000 employees to our team, which will make 2025 another significant year of hiring,” he said. “Our rate of hiring at Quonset Point will be roughly what it was in 2024. That number may fluctuate based on our ability to upskill and reduce attrition, which will increase the experience level of the shipyard. The rate of hiring in Groton will match the flow of our supply chain and align with the pace of modules from Newport News Shipbuilding and our Quonset Point facility. Despite a flatter trajectory early in 2025, the future continues to be bright in Connecticut as we continue to increase our hiring to meet the one-plus-two submarine objective.”
Rayha spoke to the importance of pipeline training initiatives in bringing high-quality, motivated new shipbuilders to EB. “These programs bring us the people who experience shipbuilding firsthand and decide it’s for them—they have the grit and perseverance to do this work. In the process, their lives change for the better and they experience how good it feels to do important work for our country.”
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded. Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
