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.
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→
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→
