2025 - Press Release Archives

Electric Boat Acquires Former-Sears Building in Waterford, Conn.
Builds on Previous Waterford Property Acquisitions
Completes New Off-Shipyard Location to Accelerate Submarine Delivery

GROTON, Conn. (Nov. 18, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced it has closed on the acquisition of the former-Sears property in Waterford, Conn. This news follows the submarine manufacturer's October purchase of the Crystal Mall property and its June purchase of the former-Macy's location. This location will be used to maximize the construction utility of Electric Boat's Groton shipyard by moving off-hull functions to Waterford.

"The Sears location is an important addition that will facilitate Electric Boat's ability to accelerate submarine production," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "This is our third and final acquisition of property at this location, which will address the increasing demand signal for submarines by our nation."

General Dynamics Electric Boat designs, builds, repairs and modernizes nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, it employs more than 24,000 people. More information about General Dynamics Electric Boat is available at www.gdeb.com.

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and generated $47.7 billion in revenue in 2024. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com.

General Dynamics Electric Boat to Christen Submarine Utah (SSN 801)

GROTON, Conn. (Oct. 24, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat will christen the Virginia-class submarine Utah (SSN 801) Oct. 25 at its shipyard in Groton, Conn. Electric Boat is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

The relationship between a ship's sponsors and its crew endures throughout the lifetime of the boat. The Utah submarine will have two sponsors: Mrs. Sharon Lee, wife of the senior senator from Utah, Mike Lee, as well as Mrs. Mary Kaye Huntsman, former first lady of Utah. They will break a bottle of sparkling cyser, a honey and apple cider wine from Utah, on the ship's hull to commemorate the christening.

"It is an extraordinary honor to serve as a sponsor of the Utah, a vessel that carries a deep and enduring bond with the state of Utah," said Mrs. Lee. "I'm equally proud to stand alongside its hardworking and devoted crew, whose dedication to excellence reflects what's exceptional about the United States."

"This boat carries more than a name. She carries the resilience of pioneers, the memory of a battleship lost at Pearl Harbor, and the promise of the sailors who will guide her forward," said Mrs. Huntsman. "It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as her sponsor and to help nurture her spirit and watch over her crew. The Utah will always carry the pride and strength of our state, and may she forever sail with the wind of liberty at her back."

"The christening ceremony provides the opportunity to salute the thousands of people who work hard in support of the Virginia-class submarine program," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "I am proud of Electric Boat's shipbuilders, and the skills and commitment they bring to their work every day to overcome challenges and deliver magnificent submarines like PCU Utah."

The christening will take place in the shipyard's Virginia-class assembly building in front of an audience of approximately 4,000 people, including Electric Boat shipbuilders, members of the ship's crew, U.S. Navy personnel and government officials. The event will be viewed live at numerous watch parties across the state of Utah.

The keynote address will be delivered by the U.S. Senator from Utah, Mike Lee. Senator Lee is Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, and serves on the Foreign Relations and Budget Committees.

About the Submarine and Previous Ship named Utah

Utah is the 28th submarine in the Virginia class, designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support. Electric Boat and its partner Newport News Shipbuilding share construction of the Virginia class in a teaming agreement. Utah is the 14th submarine in the class to be delivered by Electric Boat.

The submarine will be the second U.S. Navy warship to carry the name Utah and the first U.S. Navy submarine. The first USS Utah, BB 31, was a Florida-class battleship commissioned in 1911 and later demilitarized and made into a training ship. On December 7, 1941, while moored at Pearl Harbor, Utah was hit by six Japanese aerial torpedoes and sank. At the time, it was a mystery why the Japanese wasted vital resources on a demilitarized target ship. The answer came four years later, after the war, when Japanese officers involved in the attack admitted it was a case of mistaken identity on the part of a young Japanese pilot. The six torpedoes used on Utah could have potentially destroyed a third or fourth battleship, further crippling U.S. naval power in the Pacific and changing the course of the war. Today the hull of Utah remains at Pearl Harbor as a memorial to the 58 officers and crew who lost their lives that day.

"Since the tragic loss of USS Utah (BB 31) during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the name Utah has been absent from the Navy's roll of commissioned ships," said the Utah (SSN 801)'s commanding officer, Commander Christopher Hornung. "With the arrival of Utah (SSN 801), that legacy returns--honoring the grit, bravery, and unwavering tenacity of those who served before, and inspiring a new generation of sailors to carry it forward."

LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE: A live streamed video of the ceremony will start on Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at gdebchristenings.com. A recording of the ceremony will be available at this link following the event.

Electric Boat Acquires Crystal Mall in Waterford, CT to Support Continued Expansion
Builds on former-Macy's Acquisition Announced in June 2025
Creates Southeastern Connecticut Hub to Accelerate Submarine Production

GROTON, Conn. (Oct. 23, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced it has acquired the Crystal Mall in Waterford, Connecticut. This includes the entirety of the current property, excluding the former-Sears location. This addition to Electric Boat's footprint follows its June acquisition of the former-Macy's location in support of the company's mandate to accelerate submarine production.

"We are delighted to announce our further expansion in Southeastern Connecticut," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "This space in Waterford offers us a unique opportunity in an attractive location to consolidate support functions and focus our waterfront footprint on efficiently delivering the submarines our nation needs."

"Electric Boat is responsible for making the best and most high-tech submarines anywhere, and they are the reason why Connecticut is known as the Submarine Capital of the World," said Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont. "Today's announcement further solidifies this company's presence in Connecticut, cementing their future in our great state, and shows, once again, that Connecticut has the best and most talented workforce in the world."

"This exciting expansion by Electric Boat supports the production of world class submarines for the U.S. Navy and ensures our state remains a leader in cutting-edge engineering and design for decades to come. I am proud to support this move for our highly skilled workers, our communities, and our national defense," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

"This is a huge win for Waterford and the entire state. Electric Boat has long been the backbone of Eastern Connecticut, and this expansion will allow the company to accelerate production to meet U.S. national security needs and create more high-quality jobs across the region," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). "I look forward to working with Electric Boat and its incredible workforce to ensure a smooth transition of this site in the heart of Waterford from mall to cutting-edge submarine facility. Connecticut's unrivaled submarine manufacturing industry has long been a major point of pride, and this facility's new engineering, training, and other capabilities will help bring our state's leadership in defense manufacturing and national security to the next level."

"Electric Boat's acquisition of the entire Crystal Mall, along with other recent Southeastern Connecticut property expansions by our nation's largest submarine builder, underscores the pivotal role our state plays in strengthening America's national security," said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02). "This new location is another example of Electric Boat positioning itself to meet the demands of the Navy and Congress' long-term commitment to our submarine fleet."

This transaction provides Electric Boat with space to expand its engineering, training and software development work in support of Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine production.

Between four- and five-thousand Electric Boat employees are expected to work at this location. Electric Boat will occupy 542 thousand square feet of space (including the former Macy's; excluding the former Sears) on a 42-acre plot of land on Route 85 in Waterford. The location is approximately 5.5 miles from Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, near major transportation routes, making it an ideal location for Electric Boat's employees. In addition, the location includes plenty of parking and easy access to local businesses.

Electric Boat will refurbish the location to provide space for a range of functions related to its submarine production and anticipates employees will start working there by the middle of 2027 at the earliest. Electric Boat will work with current tenants of the Crystal Mall on next steps.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Waterford and our region," said Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule. "Electric Boat's purchase of a significant portion of the former Crystal Mall property represents not just a transformative reuse of a key site, but a tremendous investment in our local economy and workforce. This project will bring thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthen southeastern Connecticut's manufacturing base, and further solidify Waterford's role as a vital partner in supporting our nation's defense industry."

Investing in National Defense and the Community

Electric Boat's acquisition of the Crystal Mall property follows a series of real estate acquisitions over the past calendar year that are further enabling the company's mandate to accelerate submarine production. In addition to supporting these infrastructure investments, a recent contract modification from the Navy allowed for significant employee wage enhancements designed to attract and retain employees.

The Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) is also supporting the transition of this location from retail to an engineering and design-focused workspace.

General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded $642 million for Virginia-class submarine work

GROTON, Conn. (September 26, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today it has been awarded a $642 million contract modification to a previously awarded contract supporting submarine production. This award is for a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-2120) for Lead Yard Support and Development Studies and Design efforts related to Virginia-class submarines, as detailed in the U.S. Department of War contract award.

"This contract modification supports our efforts to deliver the submarines our Navy needs as quickly as possible," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "This funding allows us to continue our design and development efforts in order to sustain and extend our nation's operational overmatch against any potential adversaries. With the support of the administration, the Navy and Congress, we are prepared to deliver the advantage to protect our sailors, our families and our freedom."

General Dynamics Electric Boat designs, builds, repairs and modernizes nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, it employs more than 24,000 people. More information about General Dynamics Electric Boat is available at gdeb.com.

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and generated $47.7 billion in revenue in 2024. More information about General Dynamics is available at gd.com.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Marks Keel Laying of Submarine Wisconsin (SSBN 827)

North Kingstown, R.I. (Aug. 26, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat will lay the keel of submarine Wisconsin (SSBN 827) in a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at its Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The keel laying event celebrates the ceremonial birth of the ship during which the ship's sponsor welds her initials onto a plate that will later be affixed to the submarine.

The Wisconsin is the second ship in the new Columbia Class of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) being built for the U.S. Navy by Electric Boat.

"This submarine honors Wisconsin citizens, the state's rich maritime history and long-time shipbuilding ties to the U.S. Navy," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "With a focus on strategic deterrence, this submarine is critical for our national defense and will be built with the commitment to excellence our shipbuilders bring to their work each and every day."

In attendance will be the sponsor of the ship Dr. Kelly Geurts, Navy personnel, Electric Boat leadership and other guests. Because submarines have round hulls and do not have a keel, the ceremonial plate will be mounted in a place of honor on the ship permanently. Dr. Geurts trained in basic welding for this purpose, and will be assisted by Robert Ray Jr., an Electric Boat welder who has worked at the company for 49 years.

The keel laying ceremony for the future USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) is being held on her "hull number date," Aug. 27 (8/27). The governor of Wisconsin has made a proclamation making Aug. 27 "USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Keel Laying Day." Construction of Wisconsin is under way at Electric Boat's Quonset Point facility with the support of more than 3,000 suppliers from around the country, including principal subcontractor Newport News Shipbuilding, and 300 suppliers from Wisconsin.

This submarine follows in the tradition of the two previous ships named USS Wisconsin: Battleship BB-9, commissioned in 1901, and the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, Battleship BB-64, which earned six battle stars for service in World War II and Korea, as well as the Navy Unit Commendation for service during the Gulf War.

Livestream: The ceremony will be livestreamed starting at 10 a.m. EDT on Aug. 27 at gdeb.com. A recording will be available after the event at this same location.

The USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association was established in 2021 to support the boat's future crews and families, promote Wisconsin's naval heritage and shipbuilding contributions, foster STEM education, and raise awareness of the Silent Service's vital role in national security. Learn more at usswisconsinsub.org.

Electric Boat Acquires Former-Macy's Property in Waterford, CT, to Support Growth
Expanding Footprint Throughout Southeastern Connecticut
Repurposing Shipyard Space to Accelerate Submarine Production

GROTON, Conn. (June 25, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced it has acquired the former Macy's department store location in Waterford, Connecticut. This addition to Electric Boat's footprint follows a series of real estate acquisitions over the past six months in support of its mandate to accelerate submarine production. In addition to supporting these infrastructure investments, a recent contract modification from the Navy supported significant wage enhancements for employees, designed to attract and retain the best shipbuilders in the world.

"We are delighted to expand our footprint in Southeastern Connecticut," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "Over the past two years, we successfully worked with the Navy, Congress and the administration to secure funds that enable us to increase wages for the nuclear-powered vessel workforce and allow for significant additional investments in capacity, shipyard processes and systems. This acquisition is another example of effectively leveraging those funds to move important support functions out of the shipyard and maximize the production value of our waterfront footprint."

"The acquisition of the Waterford location and other recent property acquisitions by our nation's largest submarine builder underscore the pivotal role our state plays in strengthening America's national security," U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. "This new enterprise, focused on leading-edge Naval architecture, is another example of Electric Boat positioning itself to meet the Navy's and Congress' long-term commitment to our future submarine fleet."

Announcing Waterford, CT, Expansion – Macy's Department Store

On June 24, 2025, Electric Boat acquired the former Macy's department store location in Waterford, Connecticut. This transaction provides Electric Boat with space to expand its engineering, training and laboratory work in support of Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine production.

Approximately 700 Electric Boat employees are expected to work at this Waterford location. The 121,000-square-foot building sits on a 7.4-acre plot of land and is connected to the Crystal Mall on Route 85 in Waterford. The location is approximately 5.5 miles from Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, near major transportation routes, making it an ideal location for Electric Boat's employees. In addition, the location includes plenty of parking and easy access to local businesses.

Electric Boat will refurbish the location to provide space for a range of functions related to its submarine production, including engineering, training and laboratories. Electric Boat anticipates employees will start working in this location as early as March 2027.

"Electric Boat looks forward to partnering with the local community to support our critical mission to build nuclear submarines. The Navy and our nation are counting on us," added Rayha.

"The Town of Waterford is thrilled to welcome Electric Boat," said Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule. "Electric Boat's expansion to our town is a significant investment that reinforces our strong maritime history and our commitment to economic development for our community."

Other Infrastructure Expansion by Electric Boat

Recent real estate activity for Electric Boat has included:

Land purchase in North Stonington, CT, to build a 480,000-square-foot warehouse (January 2025)
Commercial lot at 435 Thames Street in Groton, CT (May 2025)
The former Garbo Lobster property at 415 Thames Street, Groton, CT (May 2025)
The former Macy's building and land in Waterford, CT (announced today)

Electric Boat continues to assess opportunities across its region to expand its footprint in support of the Navy's crucial need for nuclear submarines.

General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded a $987 million contract modification for long lead time material and construction costs for submarine production

GROTON, Conn. (June 18, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today it has been awarded a $987 million contract modification to a previously awarded contract supporting submarine production. This modification is for additional Component Development, Class Lead Yard Support (CLYS), and Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) supplier development enhancements, as detailed in the U.S. Department of Defense contract award.

"This contract modification funds important shipyard and supply chain work essential to achieving the necessary growth in output and supports our efforts to accelerate submarine delivery," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "The ongoing support for the shipyards and our supply base from the Navy, Congress and the administration is appreciated and necessary for us to meet the Navy's current and future demand for submarines."

Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Newport News, Virginia (15%); and Quonset Point, Rhode Island (15%) and is expected to be completed by 2031.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and generated $47.7 billion in revenue in 2024. More information is available at www.gd.com.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $12 Billion Contract Modification for Virginia-Class Submarines

GROTON, Conn. (April 30, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today it has been awarded a total of $12.4 billion in contract modifications for construction of two fiscal year 2024 Virginia-class submarines. Additionally, the award funds investments to improve productivity at the shipyards and workforce support as detailed in the Department of Defense contract award announcement. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $17.2 billion.

"Over the past two years, we successfully worked with the Navy, Congress and the administration to secure funds that enable us to increase wages for the nuclear-powered vessel workforce and allow for significant additional investments in capacity, shipyard processes and systems," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "This contract modification validates the unique and important role submarines and submarine shipbuilders play in our national defense."

Virginia-class submarines are designed from the keel up for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support. General Dynamics Electric Boat is the prime contractor and lead design yard for the Virginia-class submarine series and constructs them in a teaming arrangement with HII's Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $1 Billion Contract Modification for Long Lead Time Material for Virginia-Class Submarines

GROTON, Conn. (March 25, 2025) - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today it has been awarded a $1 billion undefinitized contract modification allowing Electric Boat to purchase long lead time materials for Virginia Class Block VI submarines as detailed in the U.S. Department of Defense contract award.

"This contract modification drives continuation of the crucial demand signal that the submarine industrial base needs to invest in the capacity and materials required to increase production volume," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "Consistent funding for the supply base is essential to achieve the high-rate production the Navy requires of the entire submarine enterprise."

Virginia-class submarines are designed from the keel up for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support. General Dynamics Electric Boat is the prime contractor and lead design yard for the Virginia class and constructs them in a teaming arrangement with HII's Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.