You are currently viewing September 17, 2021 – Podcast: The AUKUS Initiative

PODCAST 

Hi everyone, it’s Kevin.  Today is Thursday, September 16th (date recorded).

Yesterday, President Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a press briefing to announce the creation of a new trilateral security partnership called “AUKUS”—Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Through this alliance, the three countries would share advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, cyber, underwater systems and long-range strike capabilities with the goal of sustained peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The first initiative under AUKUS is a commitment to a shared ambition to support Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.  Representatives from the governments of each country will now begin an 18-month examination to identify the optimal pathway for the delivery of this capability, to bring it into service at the earliest achievable date.

While this is an exciting partnership, it is in its earliest stages, and plans are still being formed. There is no specific action we’ve been asked to take at this time, as the only American shipbuilder focused exclusively on the design, construction and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines, we stand ready to support this endeavor, and have communicated that message to our Navy and government leaders.

In the meantime, though, their message to us is clear: it is crucial that we remain focused on our mission to deliver the most advanced and most capable submarines to our US Navy on time. This means maintaining a two-per-year cadence on the Virginia program and sustaining the strong start we have on Columbia construction.  But more broadly, this means every one of us at EB continues to bring our best to our work each and every day.

Yesterday’s announcement affirms the strategic importance of nuclear-powered submarines. The Navy and the nation look to EB, and our decades of experience, for leadership in the design, construction and maintenance of our fleet. While it is too soon to tell what this new alliance will require from us, please remain focused on providing the advantage that helps to protect our sailors, our families and our freedom, and as always, I thank you for all you do.

We’ll talk again soon.  Thanks.

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

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