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
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A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
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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→
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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.
