General Dynamics Electric Boat New London

General Dynamics Electric Boat, located in Groton, Connecticut, with a significant presence in New London, is a leading designer and builder of nuclear-powered submarines for the United States Navy. The company has a rich history dating back to 1899, when it was founded by Isaac Rice as the Electric Boat Company. Over the years, Electric Boat has played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. submarine fleet, with a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

History and Milestones

Electric Boat’s history is marked by numerous significant milestones, including the construction of the first U.S. submarine, USS Holland, in 1899. During World War I, the company built 85 submarines, and in the 1950s, it began designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The company’s first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, was launched in 1954 and made history by completing the first submerged transit of the North Pole in 1958. In 1952, Electric Boat was acquired by General Dynamics, a leading aerospace and defense company, and has since continued to thrive as a subsidiary.

Facilities and Operations

General Dynamics Electric Boat operates several facilities in the New London area, including its main shipyard in Groton, which covers over 300 acres. The company also has a facility in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and a presence in New London, where it supports various submarine design and construction activities. Electric Boat’s operations are focused on designing, building, and delivering high-quality submarines to the U.S. Navy, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and affordability. The company’s workforce is highly skilled, with a significant number of engineers, technicians, and tradespeople working on submarine design, construction, and testing.

Submarine Programs and Capabilities

General Dynamics Electric Boat is currently involved in several major submarine programs, including the Virginia-class submarine program and the Columbia-class submarine program. The Virginia-class submarine is a highly advanced, nuclear-powered attack submarine, designed to conduct a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Columbia-class submarine, on the other hand, is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, designed to replace the existing Ohio-class submarines and provide a critical component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

Electric Boat is at the forefront of submarine design and construction technology, with a strong focus on innovation and research and development. The company has developed several advanced technologies, including the X-shaped stern, which improves submarine maneuverability and reduces noise, and the air-independent propulsion system, which allows submarines to remain submerged for longer periods. Electric Boat is also investing in digital shipbuilding technologies, including 3D printing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, to improve design, construction, and testing efficiency.

Some of the key technologies and innovations that General Dynamics Electric Boat is working on include:

• Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and composite materials
• Improved propulsion systems, including air-independent propulsion and advanced diesel-electric propulsion
• Enhanced sensors and communication systems, including advanced sonar and satellite communication systems
• Increased use of automation and artificial intelligence, including autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic systems

Community Involvement and Economic Impact

General Dynamics Electric Boat is a major employer in the New London area, with a significant economic impact on the local community. The company employs thousands of people in the region, and its operations generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity each year. Electric Boat is also committed to community involvement and philanthropy, with a focus on education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives. The company has established several partnerships with local organizations, including the United Way, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and the New London Community Foundation.

Workforce Development and Training

General Dynamics Electric Boat recognizes the importance of workforce development and training in maintaining a highly skilled and productive workforce. The company offers a range of training and development programs, including apprenticeships, internships, and tuition reimbursement programs, to help employees develop new skills and advance in their careers. Electric Boat also partners with local educational institutions, including the University of Connecticut and Three Rivers Community College, to provide training and education programs in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.