Hi everyone, today is Friday, May 15. (Click here for podcast.)
Yesterday, the Connecticut Air National Guard saluted the state’s medical workers in flyovers over hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state to say thanks. I was standing on the Wetdock with members of our medical team and our volunteers when the C-130 transport plane flew by Lawrence and Memorial hospital. I have to admit it was moving to think about how all of us are connected on a very basic human level as a result of this pandemic.
Today I’d like to offer my own thank you to everyone involved who has enabled our business to continue through COVID-19. On Wednesday, I talked about the milestones we’ve met over the last few weeks. Those milestones would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the folks throughout all of our facilities. To all of you who have played a part in making history by keeping our business running — thank you.
Our first round of testing is winding down. Thank you to those who have gotten tested. Since my last update, we’ve identified one additional positive case of COVID-19. The individual works in Department 453 on the sixth floor of Building 88. They were tested on May 12, and their last day of work was May 13. Out of nearly 4,500 people tested, we’ve identified only 2 new cases. I believe these results are due to the aggressive stance we have taken to protect you during the pandemic and by every EB employee doing their own, personal part to stay safe. I am proud of the work we have done together and I hope you are too. I can’t think of a better example of living our core value of “Valuing Each Other.”
We’ve documented our approach to protecting the workforce from the virus and are now identifying things that have worked, and things that might require some additional thinking. All of these lessons will be important in the coming weeks as we transition out of our crisis response into Recovering with Resilience. I am grateful for your cooperation, your flexibility, and for your ingenuity as we have found new ways to deliver on our mission. That flexibility will be key as we move forward.
Yesterday, our Director of Safety, Paul Marsiglio, put out a reminder about wearing appropriate face coverings. There’s so much about this disease that we do not know, but what we do know is clear: wearing a mask prevents droplets of virus from infecting other people. Wearing a mask shows you value other people. No one enjoys wearing a mask. In the words of one of our seasoned shipbuilders on the deckplate, “I wear a mask because I worry about my mother in her late 80’s, my siblings, my grandchildren—it’s not just about me.”
So please remember, we’re all in this together. Our purpose states that we deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families and our freedom. Right now, that means protecting others from catching the virus—it’s that simple.
It sounds like we’re finally going to have some spring-like weather in New England this weekend. I hope you can get out and enjoy it, safely. I think we’ve all earned it.
Thanks for listening.
Kevin
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
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→
