After its long service life, on February 20, Electric Boat’s Graving Dock 3 (GD3) pontoon left Electric Boat and traveled up the Thames River to its new home at Mohawk Northeast, Inc. in Groton. In 1978, the pontoon was certified for launching Ohio-class submarines. The pontoon is a 550’ x 105’ steel box weighing 5,000 long tons that was raised and lowered within GD3. When raised, a submarine can be rolled onto the pontoon deck and lowered into GD3 in preparation for float-off.
Since its certification, EB’s pontoon launched 18 Ohio, three Seawolf and 14 Virginia-class submarines. One Los Angeles-class boat, Jacksonville (SSN 699), was launched using the pontoon as a test prior to the launch of SSBN/GN 726, Ohio. In addition, several boats undergoing maintenance and modernization were dry-docked in GD3 including USS Virginia (SSN 774) and NR-1, which were dry-docked in GD3 simultaneously in May of 2007; USS Dallas (SSN 700), which was dry-docked in GD3 March 2007 and USS Memphis (SSN 691), which was dry-docked in GD3 in January 2007.
After SSN 799, Idaho, left GD3 in December 2024, the pontoon was de-certified and preparations began to ready its removal.
“This pontoon outhaul was truly a team sport,” said Pete DiNapoli, senior manager of Ships Management. “This required support from Docking Operations, Facilities, Engineering, Naval Architects, Program Office, Operations, Risk Assessment Engineering, Planning, Safety, Environmental, EBFD, Transportation, Optical Tooling, EB Security, Temporary Services, Tug Operators, Mohawk Northeast and Ships Management, demonstrating unity of effort across Electric Boat.”
At a high level, the outhaul work included removing the pontoon’s bearings, making it watertight, which took the most time and effort, and adding bumpers on the dock and the pontoon to move it safely within GD3 as the team was working with inches of clearance. Since Electric Boat had never removed a pontoon before, the team conducted a series of table-top exercises and a dry run to ensure success.
A new pontoon is being constructed at Bollinger Shipyard in Louisiana and will be installed in Graving Dock 3 this summer.
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→
