As the season changes to fall, the focus in the sports world begins to change. Major League Baseball playoffs have begun, and once again the Red Sox and the Yankees are playing for post-season supremacy and a chance to get to the World Series. College football is in full swing and the games are getting more meaningful as the “warm-up games” are out of the way and the conference games begin. At the same time, the NHL season just started and the Bruins, and 30 other teams, have high hopes to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs.
At Electric Boat, we are changing focus as well. We recently delivered USS South Dakota (SSN 790), the last EB-delivered, Virginia-class, Block III boat. As you have no doubt read in recent news stories, the EB effort to deliver USS South Dakota was outstanding and the quality built into the ship showed in her performance at sea. So the EB Virginia Block III build ended with a playoff win.
In the last few weeks, we have marked the official construction start at Quonset Point for USS Utah (SSN 801), the last Virginia-class Block IV boat. EB will deliver 6 of the 10 Block IV boats; the first to be delivered is USS Vermont (SSN 792). In various stages of construction in Groton are sections of USS Oregon (SSN 793), USS Rickover (SSN 795), USS Iowa (SSN 797) and USS Idaho (SSN 799). It will not be long before sections of USS Utah start showing up for assembly. So the Block IV season is in full swing, and we are entering the toughest part of our schedule. And as we approach christening for USS Vermont next week, the EB drive to deliver Block IV boats becomes more meaningful.
In the design and engineering spaces and at Quonset Point, a new season is already underway. Virginia Block V, including a lengthened hull to incorporate four new payload tubes to enhance strike capability, is taking shape. Some early construction is underway, material is being procured and design details are being finalized. As this season starts, we have every reason to believe that EB will have another great season for Virginia Block V.
Larry Runkle
Director, Virginia Construction Program
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
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.
