Many of you have recently watched a training video concerning VIRGINIA Class certification. So why was it important for you to learn about our certification process?
Our submarine certification process is structured to ensure “maximum reasonable assurance” that the material condition of the ship is satisfactory for the safe conduct of trials and operation. To provide this assurance, we rely on our workforce to comply with all material control and work processes. Our certification system (7G and 3G databases) relies on:
- Design/Engineering information to define material, work and testing requirements to support ship delivery in accordance with specification requirements
- Work instructions to translate the design/engineering information into sequenced, discrete work and test packages
- Performance of work and test in accordance with the detailed instructions and completion of the required Objective Quality Evidence (test data and signatures for work completion)
- Re-entry controls on and documentation of any work performed on a component or system after initial completion
- Identification of any issues or non-conformances in a timely manner
- Tying any issues or liabilities identified to the specific hulls affected
- Resolving any issues or liabilities in a manner that meets the technical requirements
Our certification is EB’s written guarantee that the material condition of the ship is in compliance with the authorized design and meets all requirements. This robust system of accountability starts with you. Everyone is responsible to ensure that we document all known material conditions immediately upon identification. To support the upcoming certification of USS Vermont (SSN 792), you may be asked by your supervisor whether you are aware of any emergent issues that may affect the material condition of the ship or component we are certifying.
Our certification process relies on your adherence to procedures. This starts with you; therefore, the training is to ensure we all:
- Know how our systems and processes work
- Operate within these processes
- Demonstrate formality and rigor in how we execute work, document and adjudicate liabilities
If you are unsure of whether or not an issue or liability is applicable to a hull before certification or have questions on the certification process, ask your supervisor.
The certification process also validates that we are in compliance with special emphasis program requirements (SUBSAFE, DSS-SOC and Fly-by-wire). Last week’s Groton WIB discussed the USS Grayback incident that resulted in the death of five Navy divers and spawned the DSS-SOC certification process. Every year, our SUBSAFE training reminds us of the loss of the USS Thresher; we listen silently as we hear the sounds of bulkheads and the hull collapsing and reflect on the lives that were lost with those sounds. From the Thresher tragedy, the SUBSAFE Program was born. The special emphasis processes are focused on ensuring that uncontrolled flooding does not occur, the ship can recover from a flooding casualty, ship control is maintained and DSS personnel can be recovered without injury if there is an accident. Proper execution and material compliance for work in these programs is critical.
We must ensure that the submarines that we send to sea are ready for safe conduct of trials and operations in an environment that would otherwise not sustain human life.
Larry Runkle, VA Program Director
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→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
