Electric Boat achieves a major milestone by successfully completing the development of the necessary Build Authority (BA) Base Capabilities identified for our shipyard to build submarines using the Integrated Product Development (IPDE) tools and processes.
The completion of this two-year project, totaling 92 IT tasks will enable our deckplate mechanics to build COLUMBIA (CLB) and VIRGINIA Payload Module (VPM) utilizing new IPDE tools and processes deemed as good or better than those used to build legacy VIRGINIA (VA). “By achieving this critical milestone, we’ve set the stage for building a new class of submarines utilizing a new tool system and processes. Most EB employees will only experience a culture shift of this magnitude once in a career. It’s exciting to know that we are at the cusp of an extraordinary transformation within our business,” commented Pete Dixon, Design Build Director.
With the completed development of BA Base Capabilities, EB has the ability to:
- Integrate Teamcenter with Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRP-II) and Electronic Work Packages (EWP), used by the shipyard employees to manufacture, assemble, and test CLB and VPM
- Display digital models of design products in trades’ work instructions
Adam Giuliano, IPDE BA Lead and Acting Design-Build Manager stated, “This was a tremendous effort orchestrated by the coordination of many employees throughout numerous departments. IT software engineers worked together with countless business and trade representatives to define, re-build, and test software upgrades that are now deployed. Their dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone provides the foundation to build upon our tools and processes so that our shipyard employees will be equipped with the tools they need for success on the work we have ahead.”
While development of BA Base Capabilities is complete, our work is not; validation of those capabilities is key to proving that we are ready to execute submarine construction using IPDE. Processes are being established to enable the proficient use of the new tool capabilities. Employees must demonstrate use of the capabilities in production. This process is underway, initially on prototypes, and increasing in scale to full rate production.
Completion of BA Base Capabilities enables the IPDE program to shift our focus onto efficiencies and opportunities that increase performance, reduce costs, and improve ease of use such as:
- Increase utilization of digital devices on the deckplate using tools such as the Interactive Work Instruction (IWI)
- Tackle long-standing differences in systems to make information more readily available in a user-friendly format that helps our workforce complete their jobs
- Incorporate modern technology such as Augmented Reality into the hands of more trade mechanics
“Electric Boat understands the performance challenge necessary to support the workload expected from the COLUMBIA class and VIRGINIA Payload Module design and COLUMBIA and VIRGINIA class ramp up in construction through the 2020s. This ramp up must be achieved by increasing EB’s employee base of new shipbuilders while concurrently losing many veteran shipbuilders who spanned low rate production to a well-deserved retirement. The completion of this milestone is a key step in progressing IPDE throughout our enterprise to meet the upcoming demand,” commented Kurt Hesch, Chief Operating Officer.
To learn more about IPDE and EB’s Model Based Vision, employees are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Design-Build Trade Show this fall to be held in New London and Groton (and soon to follow at the Quonset Point facility). Information including dates, times, and locations will be forthcoming.
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→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
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→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
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→
