Front Row L to R: Michael DeBellis, Nicole Famularo, Fred Coury, Michael Jarvis, Michael Nix, Michael Raspberry, Cassidy O’Brien, Juan Contreras, Jeffrey Allard, Austin Harley, Ian Panse
Back Row L to R: Zachary Whitford, Andrew Wesley, Ethan Gilchrest, Nathan March, Russell Ducharme, Stephen Layfield, Steven Spellman, Rob Jackson (Apprenticeship School Rep), Devin Butler, Daniel Igoe
Not Pictured : Michael Boucher, Edgar Medina, Joseph Carroccio, Matthew Lawrence
On September 16, 2021, a graduation ceremony was held at Quonset Point for the latest cohort of Apprenticeship Program graduates in the technical and leadership pipelines for the steel and pipe trades. Kathleen Heller, Manager of Learning, welcomed the graduating class and their guests, and congratulated them on the culmination of their motivation, dedication and perseverance to their jobs and their personal development. 20 employees completed the program in 2021.

Andrew Bond, VP of Human Resources
Andrew Bond, Vice President of Human Resources, delivered the graduation address and explained how the program has deep roots in Quonset Point dating back to the 1970s, noting that the graduates are part of a proud heritage of shipbuilders that became dedicated to mastering their crafts.. Bond also expressed how proud Electric Boat is of all the graduates who gave up many nights and weekends for the past three years to attend school on top of their normal work hours, all while pushing through a pandemic.
Two awards were presented to graduates of the program. The Academic Excellence Award was presented to Steven Spellman of D914 by Jaime Nash of Community College of Rhode Island. Steven finished the Pipe Technical Program with a 3.82 GPA while logging all required on-the-job training hours during that time. The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Juan Contreras of D912 by Ray Cormier, Director of Operations. Juan displayed both academic and job excellence during his three years in the Steel Leadership Program.

Michael Raspberry, 2021 Apprenticeship Program Class Speaker
Michael Raspberry of D917 was the class speaker who had the pleasure of addressing his fellow graduates and those in attendance. . He described how he and his classmates were humbled in the beginning of this journey and are extremely grateful for this experience, as well as the opportunity to develop more versatility, become more qualified in their jobs, network, and make new relationships and true friends over the last three years. He closed by wishing them all the best in their careers here at Electric Boat.
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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.