Sean Davies, VP, QP Operations; Cathy Smith, VP, Virginia-Class Program; Rob Smith, Exec. VP, GD Marine Systems; Sen. Jack Reed; Rep. Jim Langevin
On Friday, Quonset Point hosted a celebration to mark the recent award of the Block V contract. EB and General Dynamics leaders were joined by members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation and about 75 QP employees who are now actively engaged in Virginia construction.
The ceremony appropriately took place in the recently completed VPM annex, a 28,000 square-foot facility at Quonset where the Virginia Payload Module, an 84-foot section to be installed in eight of nine Block V ships, will be constructed. The VPM will comprise four large-diameter payload tubes located amidships, increasing the fixed strike capacity of the ship by more than 230 percent.
Quonset Point Vice President of Operations Sean Davies was host and emcee of the event, and was joined by Congressman Jim Langevin and Senator Jack Reed. Both officials have noted the importance of EB’s contributions to the country’s defense.
“This contract is a major win for Rhode Island that will bring a host of economic benefits to the state. It means submarine production at Quonset stays on course and continues full speed ahead for the next decade and will lead to further jobs and investment in the state,” Reed said. “The awarding of this contract is a testament to the skill and dedication of the men and women at Electric Boat who do an outstanding job of building these submarines.”
The VPM Annex is part of an investment of more than $700 million to expand and upgrade the facilities at Quonset. Along with other infrastructure projects at the Groton Shipyard, these investments will position EB to construct two classes of submarines simultaneously. In addition to infrastructure improvements, EB continues to hire new employees and works with its suppliers to ensure they will be prepared to respond to growing needs for materials to support the Navy’s needs.
“The men and women of Electric Boat are ready for the work ahead,” said Davies. “We welcome the opportunity to deliver Block V submarines with an unrelenting focus on safety, quality and affordability.”
