L-R: Sean Morrone, James Adams, Takeshi Ei, Brian Brodie, Ray Ryan, Dave Roberts and John Seguin.
Brian Brodie and Matthew Hoopes are spending their final months as active service members at Electric Boat (EB) through DOD SkillBridge, a Department of Defense (DOD) program established to ensure the ease of transition to civilian life for service members. DOD SkillBridge connects men and women in uniform with approved industry partners, providing them the opportunity to obtain civilian work experience for up to 180 days before exiting the service. Participants work a 40-hour work week while maintaining their full DOD salary and benefits, allowing them to focus on gaining valuable experience to kick-start their civilian careers after service. Over 50,000 service members have benefited from DOD SkillBridge since the program’s pilot in 2011.
EB began partnership with DOD SkillBridge just this year, and already has six candidates slotted for participation in 2024. Brian and Matthew are the first two candidates to start their programs with us on April 25, and both are looking forward to serving on the EB team. “It’s a big day, it’s a great program and it’s a great opportunity,” said Brian, who is enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a lead petty officer on the USS Indiana. He will be working as a test engineer for submarine electrical systems and components—something he’s all too familiar with as a submariner.
Matthew, an avionics technician in the U.S. Airforce, will be completing the program in the ship test organization, or STO. Originally from Connecticut, Matthew has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and flew back just this Wednesday, April 23, to start the program. “When I found out Electric Boat had the SkillBridge opportunity, I was excited to be back around family.”
L-R: Anna Leigh, Sean Morrone, Emil Casciano, Matthew Hoopes, Ray Ryan, Alexandrea Weber and Amanda Hillegas-Gaccione.
EB is just as excited for this new partnership, which is connecting us with military talent who have extensive experience, skills, expertise, and most importantly, a shared understanding of the importance of our mission as shipbuilders. Each and every EB employee serves their country on a daily basis through shipbuilding excellence, and we employ thousands of veterans who bring with them the same dedication to service. “This program provides our company with top military talent, and at the same time, helps our transitioning service members into a civilian career,” said Ray Ryan, EB’s veteran and military recruiter. “I’m excited to help ensure this partnership with DOD SkillBridge is successful, and I want to thank all my fellow coworkers in staffing (D647). Working together as team made this happen.”
Transitioning service members who successfully complete DOD SkillBridge and meet all necessary requirements are eligible to receive a full-time offer to work at Electric Boat at the end of their program. Although his program has just begun, Brian has already accepted an offer to join EB full time at the conclusion of DOD SkillBridge.
Welcome aboard to Brian and Matthew, and congratulations on this exciting opportunity. We wish you the best of luck throughout this experience and are glad to have you on the team. EB looks forward to welcoming our additional 2024 SkillBridge participants later this year.
To learn more about DOD SkillBridge at Electric Boat, please reach out to Ray Ryan.
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded. Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
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.
