Hi everyone, it’s Kevin. It’s Friday, December 4th.
For today’s COVID update, I wanted to let you know that we’re in continuous communication with the health departments of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Both Governor Raimondo and Governor Lamont held press conferences yesterday. In Rhode Island, Governor Raimondo characterized her state’s COVID case data as concerning, but not surprising given the predictions for a second surge during this time after Thanksgiving. The positive news is that Rhode Islanders appear to be complying with what she calls “the pause” in place through December 13 as demonstrated by traffic data in Rhode Island. That’s an indicator that people are staying home, working from home and generally following the rules. During the pause, Rhode Island gyms, bars, bowling alleys, movie theaters and casinos are closed and social gatherings are banned, among other restrictions.
Here in Connecticut, Governor Lamont reported yesterday afternoon that the state reached its highest positivity rate at 7.13%, a possible result of the holiday travel around the Thanksgiving holiday. Both governors set expectations on the imminent rollout of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The scheduling information is very fluid, literally changing by the hour, as Pfizer has just reported some supply chain issues that may set back their schedule. It’s anticipated the first doses of vaccine will be shipped out to states the week of December 14th. Healthcare workers, nursing home residents and workers, and medical first responders will be the first groups to get the vaccine—this group is known as Phase 1a.
In our discussions, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has projected they will receive enough vaccines to offer access to all Phase 1a individuals by the end of January. The state is currently defining who makes up the next population—referred to as Phase 1b. Right now it is defined as people whose jobs make it hard or impossible to work from home. From our perspective, a significant portion of our shipbuilders fall into this category. Connecticut would start offering vaccines to the Phase 1b population in the February time frame. The rollout will continue through the spring with vaccines available to all populations by June.
We’ll keep you posted on information about vaccine roll-out as it becomes available. But I think the fact that our workforce has been prioritized is important. It underscores the importance of our company staying operational in a pandemic and our critical role in keeping our nation safe.
That timeline means we can’t throw out our masks anytime soon—we need to remain vigilant to control the spread and stay healthy. Earlier today we sent out a note describing how we’ll conduct our annual turkey give-away in Connecticut next week. And if you haven’t had a chance, please take a closer look at the communication as there are multiple changes from previous years. From my perspective, I want to make sure we’re maintaining and sustaining what has been a long-standing tradition here at EB in the turkey give-away. It’s a longstanding tradition that people feel good about; so much has been disrupted and changed this year that at least we can maintain that tradition as close to normal as is reasonable. I hope it helps give you the feeling that we’ll get through this together. Our goal was to keep that tradition and keep everyone safe, and so there are some restrictions about how to pick up turkeys that you need to be aware of.
Due to COVID, there is greater need than usual in our surrounding communities for donations. If you’re considering donating your turkey, this would be a good year to do it. We’ve talked to several of the food banks in the area, and they are very hard hit as a result of the pandemic, so I would hope you would consider that. I am donating my turkey for just that reason.
Stay safe, stay healthy and we’ll talk again soon—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.
