There are just 100 certified marine chemists in the U.S., and one, Electric Boat’s own Don Raffo (Dept. 341), was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta to chair the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Health and Safety (MACOSH).
MACOSH advises OSHA on matters relevant to the safety and health of employees in the maritime industry, advice that results in more effective enforcement, training, outreach programs and regulatory efforts. The maritime industry includes shipyard employment, long-shoring, marine terminals, commercial fishing and shipbreaking (the taking apart/recycling of retired ships).
“I’m excited by the challenge of chairing the committee,” said Raffo. “It’s a high point of my career.”
Raffo joined EB in 1980 as an outside machinist. He became a lab technician and pursued his certification as a marine chemist. His career progressed to his current position as a lab supervisor.
“I oversee the nuclear water chemistry lab, oil analysis lab, oxygen clean room and the confined space program at our sites,” said Raffo. “My focus is on worker health and safety, first and foremost, and the protection of EB’s assets. Through EB, I initially got involved with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on a technical committee controlling gas hazards on marine vessels. In parallel, I became chairman of the Marine Chemist Association, the professional organization composed of chemists certified by NFPA.”
Through these experiences, Raffo was encouraged by OSHA to apply to join MACOSH. He began as a member, became chairman of the shipyard advisory group, and now is overall chairman, overseeing all of MACOSH’s maritime industry groups.
During his two-year tenure as chairman, Raffo will provide oversight of committee members creating advisory documents/products. “Towards this goal, I’ve conducted tours of other facilities including small shipyards and long-shoring facilities to gain a better understanding for the different components of the maritime industry. At EB, we are one of the biggest shipyards in the nation. I have assets available to me—our labs, the safety department, industrial hygienists, marine chemists—that are not available to many shipyards around the nation. That’s important to consider when we’re advising OSHA.”
According to the May 2, 2019 Federal Register, “MACOSH provides a collective industry knowledge and expertise, not otherwise available to the Secretary (Acosta), to assist in addressing the unique hazards found in shipyard and cargo-handling activities.”
EB’s other certified marine chemist is Don’s son Peter Raffo, who works in the safety department and has been certified for about 1.5 years.
July 20 Traffic Alert for Groton Access to I-95
July 20 Traffic Alert: Commuters Urged to Use Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) to Access I-95 The City of Groton is urging drivers to use Clarence B. Sharp Highway to access Interstate 95 after a car accident Saturday on Mitchell Street darkened traffic lights at the intersection of Meridian & Mitchell streets. Four-way stop...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.
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→
