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.
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→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
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→
Happy Fourth of July
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.
