Hi everyone, this is Kevin, today is Wednesday, December 9th.
In COVID news, worldwide focus continues on the rollout of the vaccine. Yesterday, a 91-year-old UK grandmother became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer vaccine as part of a mass vaccination program in that country. As the vaccine becomes available in the U.S., my hope is that Americans will follow the lead of this 91-year-old and get vaccinated for the good of themselves and their fellow man.
At a press conference earlier this week, Connecticut Governor Lamont said that if the FDA approves the Pfizer vaccine as expected, rollout to hospitals will begin the week of December 14th and then to long-term care partners the following week, December 21st. The state is currently working with its vaccine providers, which will include both large and small pharmacies, and health centers, to ramp up to capacity for deployment. As we understand the vaccine roll-out, it will be given to first responders and nursing home caregivers and residents first–referred to as Phase 1a. Phase 1b will be rolled out which is expected to include populations who are not able to work from home. While we can anticipate our role as essential workers may qualify us to receive vaccinations, it is too early to tell how many or when vaccines may be available. We are taking steps to prepare for administering vaccines here at EB when they become available to us.
Rhode Island is now halfway through its two-week “pause,” during which residents are encouraged to stay home, and Governor Raimondo is satisfied with the response from residents, although this week’s data continues to climb in both Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Yesterday, Massachusetts announced it is taking a step back in the hopes of stemming the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday afternoon that the state will move back to Step 1 of Phase 3 in his reopening plan. As such, indoor performance venues and high-contact recreational businesses will once again have to close, while businesses permitted to stay open will be reduced to 40% capacity.
Ordinarily, we’d be celebrating the holiday season with colleagues at this time. Virtually all of us have participated in holiday gatherings with our co-workers, and as I thought about it, those celebrations this year seem completely foreign and almost a distant memory given our current environment. This year, we will not be taking any chances, and we will not be holding employee holiday parties or similar gatherings. Frankly, I will miss the opportunity to celebrate with you.
Please everyone—continue to practice the “3 W’s”: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. Those of you who can work from home should do so, and if you feel sick, please don’t come to work.
At Governor Lamont’s weekly COVID update, he and health experts reminded listeners about the tremendous strain the pandemic has put on our society. The holidays can be a stressful time under normal circumstances, and I think we all agree that this year has been anything but normal. People may feel isolated, angry and without hope given how long we have been living under COVID protocols. These are definitely challenging times. I want to simply remind you that EB has resources available for all employees at no cost that can help you or others who might need it. Please be aware of the people you work around, and if you see someone who could use some encouragement, make it a point to reach out and help them.
The EB resources I refer to are available confidentially through the EB Employee Assistance Program. For more information about these benefits, visit the Employee Assistance website or contact the EB Benefits office at 860-433-4201 or at benefits@gdeb.com. Please take care of yourselves and your families.
Stay safe and stay healthy. Thanks; 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→
