By Larry Runkle
July 23, 2018
This week is the MLB All-Star game, which traditionally marks the halfway point of the baseball season. During the All-Star break, players get some time off to relax and recharge for the second half of the season. Locally, the Red Sox and the Yankees typically prepare for the second half and the drive to the playoffs. This year looks like an exciting playoff drive for both teams. The season’s champion may once again come down to who emerges as Mr. October like Reggie Jackson was once named for his outstanding playoff performances.
At Electric Boat, we are just coming out of the July 4 holiday period and are preparing for our second half of the year. We also have a “playoff” drive to make. In the second half of 2018, we will deliver three submarines, boosting our nation’s defensive posture and helping to ensure our nation’s freedom. In late August/early September, we are poised to commence initial sea trials and deliver the new-construction submarine South Dakota (SSN 790). In late September/early October we are prepared for sea trials and delivery of USS Colorado (SSN 788) as her post-shakedown availability is completed. And, later in October, we will be focused on the completion of the USS Montpelier (SSN 765) IDD, returning this SSN 688 (Los Angeles) class submarine to mission readiness.
It has been several years since Electric Boat has delivered three submarines in one year, let alone in less than six months. We will deliver three submarines in 2019 as well. Great teamwork will be required to achieve our goals. In baseball, the teams that are successful in the playoffs execute the fundamentals well, achieve contributions from throughout the lineup and demonstrate outstanding teamwork. Likewise, at Electric Boat, we all have an important role to play in the delivery of these submarines. We must focus on the fundamentals of our trade or discipline and work together. Our hard work, focus on safety and quality, and drive to ensure we get each detail right is necessary to put these ships to sea with confidence. Teamwork with the ship’s crew, with SUPSHIP Groton, with other Navy and government organizations, with our Newport News Shipbuilding partners and between Electric Boat departments and organizations is crucial to ensure that testing and sea trials are safe and successful.
This is our playoff run… our drive for October excellence. Our success in delivering three submarines in the second half of 2018 will demonstrate that Electric Boat is up to the challenge of increased new construction and repair work.
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
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
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→
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
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→
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→
