By Austin Glassner
August 23, 2018
Each year we challenge our interns to go the extra nautical mile in a competition called the IRIS (Interns Researching Ideas for Submarines) Project. This year, we asked them to come up with a crazy idea that just might help us design a more affordable or more capable submarine. After the interns submit their ideas, a panel of subject matter experts picks the top 10. The submitters are then given the chance to present their work in front of a panel of judges. The winner receives $400 and four runners-up receive $150 from our Chief Operating Officer, Kurt Hesch.
For this summer’s IRIS competition, our panel of judges included our VP General Counsel (a former engineer himself), Matt Luxton, two engineering directors, Greg Angelini and Laura Hooks, as well as a global science advisor from the Office of Naval Research, Dr. Rob Mushen. After much deliberation, and a presentation by last year’s winner, Sara Mikovic, about how she continues to work on her project after becoming a full-time employee, the judges chose a winner. This year, Jared and Jacob Covell were awarded the grand prize for their submission, a Machine Learning Maintenance Network.
After the presentation and the short awards ceremony where the winners were given comically large checks (Billy Madison style), all interns who submitted an idea joined us for a pizza party to celebrate their accomplishments. We at Electric Boat have found this a great opportunity to tap into a pool of employees who have new ideas, and we plan on continuing this tradition for the fifth year in a row in 2019.
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.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
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Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
Rayha Report Ep. 17: Impact of EB’s Donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
L-R: M. Rayha, A. Stockton, D. Sears-Graves In the latest installment of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Anne Stockton, VP of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, about the positive impact EB’s recent donation has had on...Continue reading→
