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.
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
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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
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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.
