Above: Kurt Hesch, Senior Vice President of Programs, watches as USS Nautilus departs the pier at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT.
On Friday, Electric Boat officials joined representatives from the Navy, the state of Connecticut and other community leaders for a unique “float off.” For the first time in 20 years, the USS Nautilus moved from its location near the Submarine Force Library and Museum up the Thames River, where it will undergo maintenance.
In 1950, Electric Boat was approached by then-Captain Hyman Rickover, who asked if the company’s shipbuilders could build a hull for an atomic submarine. Just four years later, Nautilus was christened and on her way to the history books. After a long career of many missions, she was decommissioned in 1980 after a career spanning 25 years and over half a million miles steamed.
Nautilus was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and her preservation is required under the National Historic Preservation Act. The overhaul of the Nautilus will ensure that she continues her current mission of education and inspiration for decades to come.
During the overhaul, the boat’s hull will be blasted and painted, new topside decks and planks will be installed, interior lighting will be replaced and forward and aft free-flood areas will be replaced. Electric Boat is the lead on this job and will manage the efforts of two contractors. Industrial Marine and Industrial Applicators will be responsible for the painting, while Mystic Seaport is responsible for the decking.
At the event, EB Senior Vice President Kurt Hesch said, “Our own tradespeople are very excited to work on Nautilus. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to be part of the team who will ensure the longevity of this historic ship. It connects our current-day shipbuilders with those of seventy years ago who chartered new territory.”
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
During his remarks at the Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit held on July 15 at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, President Donald Trump introduced attendee Danny Deep, president of General Dynamics. In his quick words to Danny, President Trump recognized General Dynamics for building “the greatest submarines in the world.” Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
In this episode of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Matt Olander, senior vice president of programs and engineering, about his personal career journey and recent return to UConn’s College of Engineering as an honorary degree recipient and 2026 commencement speaker. Watch Matt’s commencement speech on the UConn College of Engineering YouTube channel.Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
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.
