Shannon Sulmasy ( Dept. 463)
July 11, 2018
I am the daughter of mariners; my mother was a Naval surface warfare officer and my father was a Coast Guard officer. They both served on ships in theater during Operation Shield/Operation Storm and the Persian Gulf War. When I first started college at Boston University, I wanted to work on prosthetics and eventually start a nonprofit to help create prosthetics for veterans. This was my passion since I had grown up around the military, and as my father spent the later part of his career at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy here in New London. I wanted to support those who served.
When I interned at EB, I thought it would be a great way to gain solid experience for a future job designing and analyzing mechanical systems. But while working here that summer, I realized that what could be even better than helping wounded veterans is helping to ensure military members are not wounded in the first place. Creating complex machines that help protect our country and guarantee that our soldiers return safely home to their loved ones in one piece is the ideal. I decided to accept the EB job offer working with shock analysis, and I am proud to come to work every day knowing that the work I do helps those serving our country return safely to home port.
For example, when the USS San Francisco collided with an undersea mountain in 2005, my department’s work with transient shock analysis was critical to ensuring that the losses endured were limited and the ship itself was sound enough to be repaired. My department had completed work that ensured that the submarine’s structure was prepared for underwater explosions or collisions. Even when faced with massive damage, the submarine survived.
That is a tangible example of why the work my department performs matters to me, to Electric Boat, the Navy, the United States, and all those families anxiously awaiting their mother, father, sister, brother, friend, or child.
We deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families, and our freedom.
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
