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.
803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
Remembering September 11
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of downtown Manhattan’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted in a series of coordinated attacks that would leave an everlasting imprint on our country’s psyche. As the events unfolded on that Tuesday morning, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, over 600 were injured...Continue reading→
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
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
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→
