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.
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.
