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.
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
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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→
