Hello Team. I am taking this opportunity to speak with you directly regarding the COVID-19 virus that is disrupting our lives in a way none of us has experienced before. I want to share my priorities for you and for our business. Those priorities are to keep everyone who works at or supports Electric Boat safe and healthy, while we meet our obligation to continue our work as an essential part of our nation’s defense.
Additionally, I want to thank each of you for your continued flexibility and patience as we work to understand how to cope with this disease and develop strategies to support your safety and our continued operations. As you know, the White House, the Department of Defense, and our state government has determined we must continue to operate during this challenging time.
As we’ve learned about the threat COVID-19 poses, we have adapted to control its spread by limiting non-essential services like the gymnasium and curtailing some cafeteria services, we’ve reduced or nearly eliminated travel, curtailed training, encouraged virtual meetings and reduced meeting size. We’ve also enabled telecommuting or working from home to the maximum extent practical and we are looking to further expand that capability. We also continue increased cleaning throughout our facilities.
We’ve also adjusted our policies to allow each member of our team maximum flexibility for taking time off to take care of themselves and their families. I appreciate the support we’ve gotten from our Union Leadership to enable this important adjustment.
Today the New London facility began operating on two shifts to decrease density in that building: first shift is working from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; second shift is working from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. I visited Quonset Point and our New London facilities today to see for myself how we are adapting. Overall, I saw my co-workers doing what already makes EB a special place, adjusting to what I consider to be our new normal with as positive an attitude as possible given these uncertain times. Thank you for your cooperation.
We continue to evolve how we’re working in the Groton shipyard and at Quonset Point to ensure people maintain safe distances from each other whenever possible. And we continue to encourage members of the leadership team to optimize remote work arrangements with their teams where practical.
Today, I can report that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at EB. Where people have been suspected of being infected, or present higher risk of exposure, we’ve taken decisive action to quarantine and monitor employees.
While it is challenging to focus on day-to-day business operations, I do have positive news to share. I was fortunate to ride PCU Vermont SSN 792 during Alpha trials last week and the ship performed exceptionally well. You should be proud of your great work. Bravo trials are currently underway and are going well. We all look forward to her soon returning later this week and get ready to deliver her to the Navy on April 18.
I will continue to keep you updated regularly so you can rely on facts, not hear-say or the shipyard rumor mill. We are communicating using email, Homeport, posted hardcopies and EB Landing. If you have not been able to see my messages, please go to EB Landing on your smart phone, personal tablet or home computer at www.eblanding.com for links to all communications. (For the video of this message, please see www.eblanding.com on your personal device.) If I am missing something you are concerned about, please bubble those concerns up so we can try to address those issues.
Finally, please take time each day to ask yourself the following questions:
• Have you had close personal contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Are you experiencing any symptoms? Fever? Chills? Cough? Sore throat? Shortness of breath? Body aches?
If you answer YES to any of the above questions, please get the proper care, stay home to protect your teammates and your community, and contact your supervisor.
Thank you for all you do and please stay healthy and safe!
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
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...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→
