U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Mutis A. Capizzi
Fellow Shipbuilders,
I hope you’ll take a moment and read the message below, which appears in the Groton WIB this week. In this message, Steve Kirkup shares his thoughts on the importance of ensuring the quality of the submarines we design, build and test. Steve’s moving account of a recent dedication ceremony for a memorial to the sailors lost in the USS Thresher tragedy crystallizes perfectly why our constant vigilance to meeting, or exceeding, SUBSAFE standards is so critically important.
Our adherence to these standards has helped keep our sailors safe and our company strong. Our recent performance on the Phase II SUBSAFE and FLY BY WIRE audit on the Vermont (SSN 792) is a direct demonstration of our Core Values of Value Each Other, Behave with Integrity and Purpose and Commit to Excellence in action.
Please continue to talk about how your team can bring these values to life, and share your thoughts on the Core Values SharePoint site.
Thank you,
Will Lennon
Vice President, Quality and Radiological Controls
On September 26, I had the honor of attending the dedication of the USS Thresher (SSN 593) National Commemorative Monument dedication in Arlington National Cemetery. This is a long overdue homage to the 129 souls that lost their lives on April 10, 1963 when Thresher was unable to reach the surface after a seawater system joint failure likely occurred followed by a failure of the emergency main ballast tank blow system to operate as intended. You’ve all taken the SUBSAFE training and listened to the sounds of a submarine pressure hull collapsing at depth. It is chilling and eerie to hear these noises, and until last week it was the permanent marker in my brain as to why we do what we do, and why we cannot fail.
The ceremony and dedication was something I never imagined I would experience in my career. It gave me new perspective that amplifies the chills I get when I think of those crushing sounds. As we all assembled in the amphitheater behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I had the opportunity to be among the families and loved ones of the crew of the USS Thresher. Although many years have passed, time doesn’t diminish their sense of loss and wondering what could have been. The pain was still apparent in their eyes. These folks experienced something that I hope no other family in the US Navy submarine program will ever have to endure again.
The ceremony was deep and moving. Speakers included retired Admirals Orzilli and Richardson, Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, and Tom Wiley, brother of Lieutenant Junior Grade John J. Wiley, USS Thresher. The ceremony transitioned to a somber walking procession to the site of the memorial stone and a touching wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a lone bugler standing among the tombstones of the fallen playing Taps. It was a stirring reminder of just how devastating this event was to these families, and the impact it had on the US Navy.
The silver lining in this tragedy, however, was the SUBSAFE program. Since its inception, no SUBSAFE-certified submarine has been lost. This is an incredible record, one that is not paralleled by any other similar safety program. We must relentlessly maintain the quality standards of engineering, design, workmanship, testing, inspection, configuration management and records of accomplishment to continue this legacy.
Last week, we certified PCU Delaware, SSN 791, for INSURV sea trails, the last major milestone before delivery, NAVSEA successfully completed the Phase II SUBSAFE and FLY BY WIRE audit of PCU Vermont, SSN 792, and we just christened PCU Oregon, SSN 793 on Oct. 5. It is fitting that just prior to these major events, the dedication of the Thresher Memorial presents the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come with submarine design and construction and how our vigil to uphold the highest safety and quality standards must never end. Our SUBSAFE-certified ships perform their mission better than any other nation’s submarine assets and are incredibly safe platforms that bring their crews back each time for those long-anticipated family reunions. The pride that this gives me is immeasurable and it’s all because of each one of you—designers, engineers, planners, tradesmen, inspectors, testers, configuration management and records personnel, admin aids, supervisors, mentors, chemists, instructors, facilities support personnel…the list goes on. You are all critical contributors who make a difference every day to the success of our submarine program. We need to celebrate our successes and be self-critical when things don’t go well, but in doing that, we will continue to maintain the quality standards we have so enduringly met to keep submarines safe for our workers, the ship’s crew, and their families, all the while protecting our great nation. This is WHY we do what we do.
Stephen C. Kirkup
Director, Quality Assurance and Special Emphasis Programs
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→
