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.
During his remarks at the Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit held on July 15 at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, President Donald Trump introduced attendee Danny Deep, president of General Dynamics. In his quick words to Danny, President Trump recognized General Dynamics for building “the greatest submarines in the world.” Continue reading→
In this episode of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Matt Olander, senior vice president of programs and engineering, about his personal career journey and recent return to UConn’s College of Engineering as an honorary degree recipient and 2026 commencement speaker. Watch Matt’s commencement speech on the UConn College of Engineering YouTube channel.Continue reading→
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→
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→
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.
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
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→
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→
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→
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→