Kurt Hesch
June 06, 2018
We’re now less than four weeks away from the deadline for reaching our Employee Incentive Goals for the first half of 2018. The goal categories are Organizational Health and Safety, Earned Hours and Key Events. Each is worth $250 if the associated goals are achieved by June 30. Once again, it will depend on a strong finish in June.
In the Organizational Health and Safety category, we are well on our way to achieving our goal participation rate for “It All Counts.” Thank you for your efforts towards this milestone and, more importantly, for proactively managing your health and well-being. The upcoming health fairs in Groton and New London are great opportunities to not only reach our goal but get ahead on our participation rates for the second half of 2018.
We’re on track to achieve our Safety Training goal, and we continue to positively track below goal on our Lost Workday Injury Rate. Thank you for your continued focus on safety, Electric Boat’s number-one goal.
Going into May, our Earned Hours were behind the goal by the equivalent of one day. We fell further behind in the late-May period resulting in us now needing the equivalent of two days of recovery— meaning we need 16 hours more in earned hours per person this month. We can recover this over the next few weeks, but it will require a strong push. This push is consistent with what we need to accomplish for the Key Events’ work order and design products goals.
In the Key Events category, the good news is that we achieved one of the five goals for the second half when we shipped section 6-7 of Rickover (SSN 795) from Quonset Point to Groton in May. Also, we’re continuing on pace to meet our work order goal, although our rate of progress fell towards the end of May, making this more challenging. Work order achievement is also a primary driver to earned hours in construction as well. Conversely, we will not make the goal of pressure hull complete for Vermont (SSN 792) by June 30 as we are a few weeks late, but look forward to the upcoming end load and pairing for the last hull butt.
The Columbia and Virginia design product goal will be very challenging, but we’ve been in this position before, achieving the goal last December and June with a tremendous late push. Similar to work orders, completing arrangements and disclosures are primary drivers of earned hours in Columbia and Virginia design and engineering. Finally, to make our Columbia construction readiness products goal, we’ll need to especially drive to achieve the remaining 13 disclosure changes. Being more productive in change is necessary as it is impacting our earned hour achievement at Quonset Point and in the Columbia products goals.
By continuing to focus on working safely, with high first-time quality and striving for efficiency, we can achieve our goals. Thank you for the work you do every day to build and maintain the submarines that are critically important to our nation’s security.
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
