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.
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded. Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
