April 1, 2020 – A Coronavirus Update from Kevin Graney

You are currently viewing April 1, 2020 – A Coronavirus Update from Kevin Graney

Please visit EB Landing and Homeport to access audio files of a new podcast from Kevin Graney.

Today we confirmed a second and third case of COVID-19 at the Groton shipyard.

In accordance with privacy laws, we cannot release the names of the employees, but we can provide this information:

• The first individual works in the Construction Support Engineering department in Building 97.
• The individual has not been on company property since March 13.
• This person was tested at their physician’s direction on March 25.
• The individual continues to recuperate at home.
• Our incident response team is contacting employees who work near the individual or who came into close contact with the individual. Because this individual has been out of the shipyard for more than 14 days, the risk for infection to others is considered minimal.

• The second individual is a Carpenter in D252.
• The individual has not been on company property since March 20.
• This person became symptomatic on March 22 and was tested at their physician’s direction on March 23.
• The individual continues to recuperate at home.
• Our incident response team is contacting employees who work near the individual or who came into close contact with the individual. Because this individual was not symptomatic at work, and has now been out of work for 12 days, the risk for infection to others is considered minimal.

In both cases, these individuals recognized they were becoming ill and took the following steps:

• They made the decision to stay home, reducing risk to their co-workers.
• They sought medical attention and notified their supervisor of their potential illness.
• Most importantly, these individuals have stayed away from work while they continue to recuperate.

As I walked through the shipyard today, I noticed that many of you are still at work, and still focused on our important mission, and I thank you for helping our team stay on task.

But I noticed something else – that not enough of us are practicing social distancing.

All of us have a very human need to interact with our families, colleagues and friends. This is also true when we are under stress – we’ve all heard the expression “there is safety in numbers” and that impulse is a very primitive instinct. It causes us to band together sometimes without even thinking about it. When we are faced with a global pandemic, the opposite is true. There is more safety in staying physically separated from each other.

Personally, I’ve been practicing social distancing, but I believe I need to do better. I’m sure I’m not alone. Starting today, any meeting I am part of will be done virtually, I will make sure that I am keeping a safe distance when I am speaking to any of you and I will be reminding you to do the same to the maximum extent practical. Let’s double down on social distancing so we can stop the spread of this disease.

By adhering to social distancing and practicing good self-protection, we can help 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.

So, keep a safe distance. Wash your hands. Stay hydrated. Get rest when you can. And most importantly, stay home if you are sick or in close contact with an individual with COVID-19.

Continue to stay tuned to Homeport and EB Landing, posted hardcopies and email for the latest updates to our business.

Thank you for all you do. Please continue to stay healthy and safe!

Kevin

Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium

On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→

Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series

General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country.  The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→

Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative

In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.​

Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award

We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington

Electric Boat broke ground Wednesda​​y on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased​​ the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→

Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963

​Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→

Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings

EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events. ​​