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
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→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country. The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.
