Hi everybody, it’s Kevin. Today is Monday, August 2.
Today, we need to talk about something we haven’t talked about in a while – COVID.
Last week, the CDC issued new recommendations related to controlling the spread of the virus, stating that regardless of vaccination status people should wear a mask while indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission. Last week, the CT Department of Public Health made a similar recommendation. New London County is currently defined as an area of substantial transmission.
In addition, the Department of Defense recently issued a directive saying that its personnel, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks in indoor settings at Department of Defense installations and facilities in areas of substantial or high transmission, again as defined by the CDC. And you’ve seen our Navy sailors here in the Groton facility walking around with masks on since that order went out.
At the moment, health officials have issued a series of recommendations— but no mandates. But from experience, we know that public health guidance changes rapidly, as is certainly the case right now, and is likely to continue to change rapidly in the coming days. I wanted to let you know that we are not making any changes to our current stance yet, but our COVID management team, which includes representatives from Medical, Legal, Facilities, Safety, Human Resources and the Emergency Response Organization, are putting together recommendations for our next steps to ensure we can work safely and in compliance with all public health guidance.
Stay tuned as we will inform you of any changes to our current stance. As a reminder, our current position regarding masks and vaccination is as follows, and has not changed:
Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask or social distance indoors and outdoors.
Non-vaccinated individuals should wear a mask outdoors when they are in a crowd, at a large event, or in a public place where keeping their distance from others is difficult, and must wear a mask indoors at all times.
Wearing a mask is also most important if you have a weakened immune system, or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.
CDC evidence indicates the Delta variant of COVID is more transmissible than the original virus strain, but current vaccines are still very protective—the vaccines will slow it, reduce it and make it far less deadly. While our vaccination rates in the regions surrounding our facilities are higher than the national average, every additional vaccinated individual helps protect the overall population. Our clinics have ample supply of vaccines—if you haven’t been vaccinated, I urge you to do so. And when you get vaccinated, please let EB Wellness know.
Thanks again for all you do. Please stay safe.
Employee Advisory: May 20 Travel Delays Expected in Groton and New London
Employees should anticipate significant travel delays on Wednesday, May 20, due to the presidential visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Local police departments in Groton and New London have announced road closures, travel restrictions and extensive no‑parking zones beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. Temporary intersection and roadway closures are expected...Continue reading→
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
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
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.
