Hi everyone, this is Kevin. Today is Thursday, September 30th.
On Friday, September 24th, the federal government released new COVID workplace safety protocols for federal contractors. In summary, the government is requiring full COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees of federal contractors. While the guidance we reviewed states a vaccine deadline of December 8, we have asked for additional information and clarity. We will continue to update you as we learn more.
My guiding principle, and that of the EB senior leadership team, has been consistent—keep everyone as safe as we reasonably can while staying focused on designing, building and maintaining the submarines our nation needs. To date, our principles have allowed us to stay safe and achieve our mission.
For me, taking the vaccine was a relatively straightforward decision. As you know, I contracted COVID early on, in April of 2020. While my experience with COVID resulted in mild symptoms, I knew then I didn’t want to chance a second case of COVID. I received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine with the same side effects many of you are already aware of. I learned, subsequently, that the natural antibodies and the vaccine may have reduced my risk of a second case to a level lower than either natural antibodies or the vaccine alone can provide. While the risk of contracting COVID cannot be completely eliminated, I believe I have minimized any risk of hospitalization or death from a breakthrough case.
We estimate a substantial number of the EB team have not reported their vaccine or have not been vaccinated. For those who have not yet been vaccinated, I am asking each of you personally to take action and get your shots. If you are vaccinated, I am asking you to provide documentation of your vaccination status—examples include a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or an immunization record from a health care provider or pharmacy.
In the coming days, the Human Resources team will tell you how to provide evidence of vaccination to our medical team.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available at all EB clinics and pharmacies for employees, as well as in pharmacies and clinics in the communities surrounding our facilities. Dependents of EB employees can receive a vaccination at the EB Family Wellness Center in Groton or at a community location. Keep in mind, depending on which vaccine you receive, it will take as much as six weeks before you may be considered fully vaccinated. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it takes three and four weeks, respectively, between injections. Following the last injection, there is an additional two-week waiting period before you are considered fully vaccinated.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve all worked hard to keep each other safe and to comply with mandates and requirements like working from home where possible, masking and social distancing, and have worked equally as hard to adjust our work and home routines to minimize the spread of the virus while staying on mission. I personally appreciate your commitment to that mission and your support in complying with rapidly changing, and often confusing, requirements.
Thanks for all you do; we’ll talk again soon.
Kevin
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→
