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.
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→
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→
