Mission Statement: Dedicated to the men and women who design, build, operate, and maintain our Nation's submarines and the families and communities who support them.
Electric Boat and USS Groton Sail Foundation Announce Partnership in Support of Monument
The USS Groton Sail Foundation recently announced its partnership with Electric Boat. Electric Boat, a General Dynamics Company, will donate 25,000 hours of labor to be used in the restoration of the sail and rudder which will be the centerpiece of the Groton Sail Monument. These hours represent approximately $2,500,000 in donated labor costs.
“Without this generous donation of time and talent, construction of this monument would not be possible,” said John Padgett, Chairman of the USS Groton Sail Foundation. “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.”
“We are honored to help restore USS GROTON's sail to its former glory as it was originally built by Electric Boat prior to being commissioned in 1978,” said Mark Rayha, President of Electric Boat. “Electric Boat is enjoying a period of once-in-a-generation growth. Giving our shipbuilders-in-training the opportunity to work on this historic namesake mutually benefits Electric Boat and our region. 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.”
Preparing A Home for Monument
With a plan in place to restore the sail and rudder, attention has turned to preparing the site. In January, a request for proposals went out which garnered several responses. We are pleased to announce that we have chosen a construction firm and look forward to beginning work on the site soon.
Fundraising Efforts Full Steam Ahead
With the news EB' generous gift, the USS Groton Sail Foundation, is well over the halfway mark in its fundraising goal and is vigorously engaged in seeking individual and corporate gifts. To meet the rising costs of construction and an endowment for future maintenance we have our eyes set on raising another 2 million. That leaves us with plenty to do. If you’re interested in donating or helping with the effort, visit our website at www.grotonsail.com.
Our site plan calls for 13 trees each of which can be purchased to honor someone special. To date 9 of those trees have been purchased at a cost of $10,000 each. Who has purchased them? Families, businesses and individuals have purchased trees to honor loved ones or to show the support of a business or family. For information on purchasing a tree, visit our website at www.grotonsail.com.
Don’t forget to put your own name or the name of a loved one on one of our pavers. In the years to come, you and your loved ones will take particular pleasure in finding the paver and knowing that their contribution isn’t forgotten. Choose from one of ten logos and add your own text. Whether you want to memorialize your own efforts or those of a friend, co-worker, or loved one, you can purchase a paver which will be part of the walkway.
We are currently in need of volunteers to assist us in donor research, assembling and mailing promotional material, along with fundraising efforts. You do not necessarily need to live in the Groton area. Click on the link below and tell us where and how you would like to help.
