John Holland, the inventor of the first U.S. Navy submarine, was born in County Clare, Ireland, February 24, 1842.
On February 7, 1899, American businessman Isaac Rice incorporated the Electric Boat Company to complete a 54-foot submersible vessel developed by John Philip Holland. One year later, the world’s first practical submarine, the Holland, was accepted by the U.S. Navy, marking the beginning of the U.S. Submarine Force.
This week we celebrate Electric Boat’s 120th birthday. Spanning three centuries, through world wars and economic ups and downs, our company has maintained an unwavering focus – to ensure our nation’s defense.
During World War I and just after, Electric Boat built 85 submarines for the U.S. Navy while its subsidiaries built 722 submarine chasers and 118 Liberty ships. Over the course of World War II, Electric Boat produced 74 submarines and 398 patrol torpedo boats, including the famous PT 109 commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy.
After both World Wars, with fewer orders for submarines, the shipyard stayed busy building yachts, schooners and commercial fishing vessels. Creative diversification after WW II saw printing presses, truck bodies and even automated bowling alley pin-setters rolling off the production lines. In 1950, with Cold War tensions mounting, EB’s destiny was forever changed when the company took on the challenge posed by Capt. Hyman Rickover to design and build the first nuclear-powered submarine.
In 1955, on sea trials, the USS Nautilus sent the historic message: “Underway on nuclear power.”
EB’s innovations have never stopped, including the Navy’s first fleet ballistic-missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), which went on strategic deterrent patrol in 1960. In the succeeding decades, EB has designed, built and sustained ever-more capable and stealthy attack submarines, culminating in the Virginia class, pioneering research vessels like the NR-1 and the sea-based, survivable leg of our country’s strategic nuclear force, the Ohio Class, with its next-generation replacement, Columbia, underway.
Through the changing times and challenges of the last 120 years, there’s been one constant – our talented, creative and hardworking employees. It’s an honor for me to lead a company with such a storied history and a very bright future.
Thank you for the work you do to deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families and our freedom.
Happy Birthday Electric Boat!
Jeff Geiger
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→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
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→
