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. 30: 40-Year Dinner Celebrates EB’s Distinguished Shipbuilders
Electric Boat recently held the annual 40-Year Shipbuilder Dinner at the Mystic Marriott, honoring the newest class of Distinguished Shipbuilders for their contributions to EB and our nation’s defense. Watch the latest Rayha Report to hear from a few of these shipbuilders as they reflect on their career in conversation with EB President Mark Rayha....Continue reading→
EB Supports 45th Annual MLK Scholarship Awards
Electric Boat was proud to serve as a scholarship sponsor for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund at its 45th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. More than 600 community members gathered to celebrate this year’s extraordinary cohort of 2026 MLK Scholars. These 13 outstanding students were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, character,...Continue reading→
Building the Future: EB’s New Central Distribution Hub
In April, Electric Boat (EB) began construction on the new central distribution hub for its warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, CT. Since then, the 480,000‑square‑foot next‑generation warehouse facility has quickly taken shape. All wall panels are now complete, and construction is ahead of schedule. The facility will celebrate...Continue reading→
Delivering the Future
Some imagine the future. We deliver it now.
State-of-the-Art Simulator Prepares District of Columbia Crew for its Mission
As construction of the District of Columbia (SSBN 826) continues apace in EB’s South Yard Assembly Building, the sailors who will soon be at the controls are spending hours in a dynamic, high-tech simulator learning the intricacies of operating the 21,000-ton, first-in-class boomer. The Columbia Ship Control Operator Trainer (CSCOT) is a replica of the...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of USS Groton Sail Monument
Fifty years after the USS Groton (SSN‑694) first launched, dozens gathered outside the Groton Public Library Oct. 9 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the USS Groton Sail Monument. The $6.6 million project—three decades in the making—will honor the men and women who design, build, operate and maintain the Navy’s submarines, as well as the families...Continue reading→
A Celebration of Heart, Community and Victory
2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk Recap Saturday, October 3, 2026 | UConn Avery Point The 2026 American Heart Association Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk at UConn Avery Point was nothing short of extraordinary. Under bright autumn skies, 26 incredible Electric Boat teams and 151 walkers came together with passion, purpose, and unstoppable energy...Continue reading→
Quonset Point Donation Will Help Keep Mystic Aquarium’s Belugas Cool
Juno, the Mystic Aquarium’s convivial, photo-bombing Beluga whale, will continue swimming in cool comfort thanks to an unlikely chain of events that began 40 miles east in an Electric Boat industrial building at Quonset Point. That’s where EB’s Russ Tatro and Chris Logan were going over plans with a vendor, Carrier Corp., to replace Building...Continue reading→
EB Team Visits Hypertherm as Part of Drive Toward Modern, Efficient Shipbuilding
A team from Groton and Quonset Point headed to New Hampshire-based Hypertherm Associates this week to get a closer look at a modern automated plasma gouging process designed to streamline hull fabrication. The visit was part of a broader effort across Electric Boat to bring more advanced, state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing tools into the shipyard. EB plans...Continue reading→
Kamal Mohamed Recognized as 2026 Hartford Business Journal 40 Under Forty Award Recipient
The Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) 40 Under Forty Awards recognize outstanding young professionals in the Greater Hartford area who are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. They are driven by success, motivated by challenges and are role models for their peers. These individuals are part of an outstanding class of upcoming business leaders...Continue reading→
