I see a lot of activity in EB blogs related to knowledge transfer. Clearly this is a paramount concern in an industry as specialized as ours. Lately the word “collaboration” has been in the air at EB as well, as we recognize the value of team interaction.
Having said that, I want to suggest a great way to build teams, breakdown silos and have some fun at work, all while supporting Knowledge Transfer AND collaboration. What is my suggestion? The answer is Technical Excellence (Tech Ex) Week, and particularly from where I sit, the EB Trivia Challenge.
Following in the footsteps of D&E Mgr. Anne Glavan, I have created EB’s 2nd Trivia Challenge, which will take place in-person in NL on August 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Teams of three (3) to six (6) people can sign up for the challenge (you can register on Homeport at the following link: https://homeport.ecms.gdeb.com/designandengineering/techexcellenceweek/Pages/EB-Trivia.aspx). Create a clever team name (mine was “They call it ELECTRIC Boat for a reason!!” in 2018 when my team competed), maybe print a team t-shirt, and have some fun with this! Jeopardy has aired on our TVs for 57 years, so there is clearly something about this type of competition that is both exciting to tune into and enjoy, learn, and Even Better, to compete in!
Now, this is not for the faint-of-heart! There are some tough questions covering multiple topics, including: Books and Movies (EB/Subs “in the media”), EB History, EB Leadership, History, Presidents, Engineering and Design, Acronyms, Potpourri, and Navy/Military Speak.
Just like a great baseball team, you should assemble a cross section of talent and do some study and prep if you want to win. If your aim is to play and learn, that’s fine too. Newer employees can glean a lot of useful information by tuning into the EB Trivia Challenge.
Charley Holdredge, a retired EB “Master Shipbuilder” who goes to my beach always says, “That Zimmerman!!!….he’s the inventor of games!!” Admittedly, this is a hobby of mine. Well…I didn’t invent this one, but for this “pub style” trivia event, I tried to keep as much fun and excitement baked in to make it enjoyable and educational.
The fact that the winning team members get personalized EB “Tech Ex” jackets commemorating their win should add to the bragging rights you could earn. If you have questions, feel free to give me a call!
Ray Zimmerman
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.
