Hi everyone; today is Friday, July 2nd. With celebrations and fireworks returning, this Fourth of July will be a welcome contrast to last year. Although looking at the weather forecast, I see a lot of rain this weekend. Unfortunately, it’s starting to look a lot like our Memorial Day weekend. None the less, it’s still a reason to celebrate. Over the last 15 months we’ve experienced what it’s like to have our freedoms restricted as we worked together to overcome the worst global pandemic in a century. Electric Boat held firm to our purpose and continued to deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families, and our freedom.
As shipbuilders, we have a unique role because the defense of liberty and freedom around the world is not possible without the skill of our people and the products those skills deliver. It is an honor to have “stood the watch” with each of you during this difficult time, and I look forward to continuing to stand with you as we mark the anniversary of our great nation’s founding now and in the future. This Independence Day reminds us to be grateful for the blessings our freedom represents and for the opportunities that it provides.
While parades and barbecues are how we traditionally celebrate, why we celebrate Independence Day is what’s important; we celebrate and give thanks to honor the bravery, courage, and foresight of those who drafted The Declaration of Independence. After 245 years, our celebration demonstrates our deep commitment to our founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I personally believe those principles are uniquely American and serve as the standard for people all over the world. I consider myself fortunate to be an American, and I am committed to furthering those principles.
As we’re all well aware, our freedoms comes 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.
By working at Electric Boat, no matter your role, you contribute to the continuation of the principles set forth by the delegates to the Second Continental Congress in 1776. We have been entrusted by the Navy to design and build the nuclear submarines that are foundational to our Navy’s effectiveness and our nation’s defense. Please remember that responsibility as we move through the excitement and challenges that come with delivering a once-in-a-generation number of submarines with unprecedented capabilities. Thank you for all you do.
Be safe, enjoy the long weekend and have a happy Independence Day.
We’ll talk again soon.
Kevin
