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
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.
