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
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.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
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Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
Rayha Report Ep. 17: Impact of EB’s Donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
L-R: M. Rayha, A. Stockton, D. Sears-Graves In the latest installment of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Anne Stockton, VP of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, about the positive impact EB’s recent donation has had on...Continue reading→
