Hi everyone; this is Kevin. Today is Tuesday, December 14th.
Last week I took part in the alpha trials for SSN 793 PCU Oregon. These trials are the first major test of a submarine’s capabilities at sea. During alpha trials, all the boat’s systems and components are tested, the boat submerges for the first time, and the crew conducts propulsion plant testing on the surface and submerged.
Thank you to the team—crew and shipbuilders—for the effort they put forth to get us to and through alpha trials. This alpha trial was long awaited and long overdue, and many of you know that. All involved worked hard and really persevered through some very trying circumstances. While we didn’t complete everything we set out to do, I watched a Navy and Shipbuilder team that worked very well together. Communications were strong—the strongest I’ve seen—and were much improved over our last trial on PCU Vermont. That result was caused by intentional steps we took to apply lessons learned, and it worked. I can tell you firsthand that the ship performed beautifully, and we should be proud about the capability we’re about to deliver to our Navy.
I also got to speak with folks who went to sea on board a US Navy submarine for the very first time. You never forget your first submarine ride, and each of the people I spoke with, Navy and EB, now understand what many of us already know. The work we do is hard and ultimately, incredibly rewarding.
The 793 will next undergo Bravo trials, which focus on acoustic and combat system performance. In January, the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey—INSURV—will evaluate the submarine’s seaworthiness, operational capabilities and the crew’s performance. In the New Year, I will report back to you on the results of these trials.
Last week NAVSEA conducted an audit of our non-destructive testing program. The audit covered NDT being performed at Groton and Quonset Point as well as the performance of the NDT engineering group in managing the program. NDT is the last stop in our welding process during which welds are inspected and verified to meet technical requirements. Our NDT program has had some significant challenges over the last several years. These challenges were amplified by a high number of retirements of very experienced personnel in our welder, NDT inspector and examiner ranks coupled with a significant growth in new people in these areas to support the Virginia and Columbia construction programs.
The NDT team has worked very hard over the last couple of years to overcome these challenges and improve NDT program performance. Additional NDT inspectors and examiners have been on-boarded and trained, and the NDT engineering group has revamped the oversight program to ensure the quality of the NDT being performed.
The audit results from last week demonstrate that we’re on the right path with solid teamwork and strong performance. While there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, we’ve proven that we’re working on the right things and headed in the right direction. I’m proud of the NDT team for the hard work they’ve put in and their perseverance really shows in the results of this audit.
Thank you to the entire NDT team. You can be proud of the work you’ve accomplished as well. The audit results reinforce what right looks like and that when we focus on a problem, we move the needle in the right direction.
Thanks everyone; we’ll talk soon.
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
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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.
Rayha Report Ep. 17: Impact of EB’s Donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center
L-R: M. Rayha, A. Stockton, D. Sears-Graves In the latest installment of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Anne Stockton, VP of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, and Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, about the positive impact EB’s recent donation has had on...Continue reading→
