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.
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
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→
