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.
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→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country.  The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.​
