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.
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
