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!
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
