EB to help restore USS Groton sail

The Day

Apr 07, 2025


Groton — Electric Boat is donating 25,000 hours of labor — representing about $2.5 million — to help restore the sail of the USS Groton (SSN 694) for the USS Groton Sail Monument.

“Without this generous donation of time and talent, construction of this monument would not be possible,” John Padgett, USS Groton Sail Foundation chairman, said in a statement.

The monument, which will be located in a grassy area along Route 117 adjacent to the Groton Public Library, will display the decommissioned submarine's sail and rudder, according to a news release. It will be a "monument to honor the men and women who build, design, operate and maintain our nation’s submarines, and the families and communities who support them."

Padgett pointed out the town is called the Submarine Capital of the World.

"It is here, on the banks of the Thames River, where hundreds of submarines have been built by the men and women of Electric Boat, the nation’s first submarine base was established and hundreds of thousands of submariners have been trained at the Submarine School," Padgett said. "Yet no lasting monument exists to recognize the men and women of our submarine community. This donation is a critical step in helping to recognize these men and women and we are incredibly grateful for the partnership with Electric Boat and their generous gift.”

Electric Boat President Mark Rayha said in a statement that the company, which is experiencing "once-in-a-generation growth," is honored to help restore the sail "to its former glory as it was originally built by Electric Boat prior to being commissioned in 1978.”

The Los Angeles-class submarine had a 19-year career before being decommissioned in 1997. it was the third naval vessel to carry the name USS Groton. In January, it was announced that one of the upcoming Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines will be named USS Groton (SSBN 828).

"Giving our shipbuilders-in-training the opportunity to work on this historic namesake mutually benefits Electric Boat and our region," Rayha added. "Once complete, the proposed monument will serve as a beautiful site for visitors and residents alike to learn about submarines and the Silent Service while reflecting on the contributions made by all to our nation's defense.”

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