Hi everyone; today is Wednesday, July 1st. (Click here for podcast.)
I’d like to start today’s podcast with an update on new cases of employees testing positive for COVID-19. Since my last update on Wednesday, June 24th, we’ve had nine new cases; six of those are employees working at Cape Canaveral at the Strategic Weapons System Ashore facility in Florida in departments 242, 272, 445 and 972. One employee is based at Long Hill Road, department 495, and flew on the Cape Canaveral shuttle. The last day of work for all seven was on June 18th.
The remaining two cases are employees in Groton—one in the shipyard, department 474, and the last in department 453 in Bldg. 88-6. Their last days of work were June 25th and June 29th, respectively. The case in Building 88 is particularly concerning because that individual did not feel well and still came to work. Now pre-COVID, many of us came to work when we did not feel well, me included. That attitude is just simply no longer acceptable, and your own personal accountability is a key to ensuring we keep the spread of COVID out of our workplace. You’ve heard me say it over and over again—if you don’t feel well don’t come to work. Our positive case total as of today is 77 with 49 of those employees returned to work.
The news about the spread of COVID-19 around our country, specifically in the South and West is a strong reminder that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. In contrast, Connecticut and Rhode Island are better—that’s because people in our region, in general, have remained disciplined about taking precautions. I am increasingly concerned that we’re starting to drop our guard.
We’re all experiencing COVID fatigue, me included, it’s getting hot and humid, and we want life to be like it was before this pandemic hit. I understand, believe me, but if we relax our standards now, we will continue to see our case rates climb. So please, now more than ever, if you don’t feel well, stay home. Continue to wear a mask at work and in public, I think we’re getting a little slack there, to be honest, keep a safe 6-foot distance from others, frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. We know how to fight this disease, and we know these methods work. Now’s the time to stick to it.
This Saturday, July 4th, we will celebrate the founding of our nation. America has been described as the great experiment—a constitutional republic based on the right of the individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Never perfect, we are a work in progress, 244 years in the making. The American experiment continues as a beacon to the world because of the freedoms that define our nation.
As we’re all well aware, however, these freedoms are not free. They come at a steep cost—never-ending vigilance, constant preparation against aggression and, all too often, the ultimate sacrifice borne by our fellow Americans.
Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve relied on the men and women of our military to protect these freedoms and shoulder whatever burden that’s required.
At Electric Boat, and as shipbuilders, we too do our part—designing and building the means for the U.S. Navy to provide that protection, something I’m very proud of. The nuclear submarines we produce are foundational to our Navy’s effectiveness and our nation’s defense strategy.
Through your dedication, skills and talents, you and your co-workers play an indispensable role in sustaining the powerful and far-reaching capabilities the Navy needs to keep our nation secure. Simply put, what you do every day matters.
On July 4th, we’ll have plenty of reasons to celebrate, and I know our celebrations will be muted a little this year due to COVID, and we have just as many blessings to be thankful for. So while it’s important to discuss the serious issues of the day, and there are many, it’s also important to have some fun, celebrate our country’s birthday, and reflect on the role each of us plays in helping to form a more perfect union. Please be safe and Thanks for all that you do.
Have a great Independence Day!
Kevin
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→
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.
