Back Row, L-R: Jeff Doyon, Bob Rasmussen and Joe Weber. Front Row, L-R: Judy Ruthko and Beth Rafferty.
The annual Supply Chain Excellence Awards Ceremony recognizes successful projects that have been implemented within the supply chain organizations across each of the General Dynamics (GD) business units. This year’s ceremony was held on Thursday, October 17, at GD corporate headquarters in Reston, VA, where there were award winners from each of the 10 business units. All of the winners had the opportunity to present their projects to fellow awardees, the Supply Chain Excellence Committee, Supply Chain Management Council (SCMC) and members of GD’s executive staff. In total, there were 13 projects presented among the business units.
Electric Boat was well represented at the ceremony by several attendees, including Vice President and Chief Supply Officer, Beth Rafferty, and Director of Nuclear Quality Control, Judy Ruthko. Erin Howe, committee chair of the SCMC, and Jessica Butts were not only key attendees, but the team that organized and made the event a success. Other attendees were Joe Weber, quality advocate, Graeme Archer, Jeff Doyon and Bob Rasmussen, who took home two awards for Electric Boat with his submitted project, “Quality Advocates at Focus Factories.” Bob submitted his award to the Supply Chain Excellence Committee in April, and ultimately won a Supply Chain Excellence Award that was presented at the ceremony.
Bob Rasmussen and Gordon Stein, Supply Chain Management Council Chair and GD Land Systems Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Operations.
Given the unprecedented growth in production as Electric Boat ramps up to deliver one Columbia and two Virginia-class submarines per year, the Focus Factory model was implemented to address the growing need for space and resources at Quonset Point. EB’s Focus Factories are based at suppliers’ facilities, resulting in additional off-site space for EB production work to be performed. Electric Boat utilizes EB-badged supplier employees to execute work, addressing manning needs in support of heightened production. Focus Factories follow a unique model, each adhering to EB’s quality management system, including processes, procedures and on-site supervision by EB management. On-site presence of EB personnel is key to EB’s success, and Bob’s project has strengthened this oversight.
The “Quality Advocates at Focus Factories” project has placed dedicated, quality advocates at EB’s various Focus Factories, adding enhanced oversight of site operations and ensuring adherence to EB’s policies and procedures. These advocates have the ability to quickly address any quality issues and concerns, track first-time quality metrics and share lessons learned across the business. “The value this provides leads to a robust, independent quality presence acting as teammate, conscience and regulator on the floor with an embedded supplier workforce that is learning how to build integral parts of a submarine for the first time,” said Bob. The oversight these quality advocates provide ensures quality doesn’t hurt schedule and schedule doesn’t drive quality, resulting in a balanced equation at EB’s Focus Factories. “The main focus of my project was quality, so it was a big surprise that I won a Supply Chain Excellence Award coming from the quality organization. I’m super proud of that,” said Bob.
Given to the highest-scoring presentation, the Peer Choice Award is left in the hands of audience members, who following each presentation, completed a questionnaire scoring the projects. The audience scored the projects on overall content, how they were presented and delivery of the presenter. Bob’s project was the top choice, and he scored a second win with the Peer Choice Award.
Back Row, L-R: Judy Ruthko, Jeff Doyon, Bob Rasmussen, Joe Weber and Graeme Archer. Front Row, L-R: Erin Howe, Jessica Butts and Beth Rafferty.
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.
