L-R: VADM William Hilarides, USN (Ret.), NSL President; VADM Robert Gaucher, USN, Commander, Submarine Force; Jacob Moreau, 2024 NSL Workforce Stars Awardee; Gerald Renaud, Business Agent, Chief Steward, UBCJA; ADM Jonathan Greenert, USN (Ret.), former NSL Chairman.
Recognizing outstanding trades personnel who are actively employed in the Submarine Industrial Base, the Naval Submarine League (NSL) Workforce Stars Award is presented to young adults for their contributions to the construction of submarines and industrial infrastructure. Founded in 1982 in the state of Virginia, the NSL has remained dedicated to fostering an awareness of the importance of submarines to our national security. The Workforce Stars Award acknowledges men and women whose talents bring these remarkable machines to life, distinguishing them as role models and an inspiration for future talent.
Five individuals were recognized with the first annual Workforce Stars Award at the NSL’s 2024 Annual Symposium and Industry Update, held November 12-15 in Arlington, VA. Among the awardees was eight-year Electric Boat employee, Jacob Moreau, a carpenter in Department 252. Jacob has continuously climbed the ranks since beginning his career in September 2016, starting in new construction, where he worked installing exterior treatments that provide our submarines with stealth and advantage. Attentive to his craft and the knowledge shared by his mentors, Jacob’s quality work and attention to detail was apparent to his peers and supervision. He became a lead operator for the process just one year later, responsible for ensuring mixtures were correct and the treatments met all standards.
Selected to participate in the three-year Carpenter Apprenticeship Program in 2018, Jacob rotated through the various major responsibilities of carpenters, expanding his knowledge and skillset with each rotation, all while attending classes and training on-site and off-site at community college. He joined the carpenter’s linesmen group upon graduation, he and his peers responsible for laying out survey points on the interior and exterior of a ship, and working closely with the Optical tooling group to take precise measurements for critical submarine components in support of construction. Jacob became a lead linesman and was appointed a union steward with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) Local 1301, and was later elected treasurer. He took part in the 2023 union negotiations and was a vital part of the discussions that resulted in the most lucrative contract in Electric Boat history. Jacob is also the summer internship co-coordinator for the union, traveling to local schools and high schools to interview potential carpenter candidates for EB’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP). Over the last five years, the carpenters have seen all of their summer intern selections return to Electric Boat, with a majority in the carpenter trade.
Now supporting the Columbia-class submarine program, Jacob is working for the linesmen crew in the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB). A working leader for his crew and one of the top linesmen in his department, he has been involved in the design and operation of a new transfer car system, used to move submarines on land level, for many years, often traveling to learn, operate and teach the new system. Jacob is an instructor for Lines of Ship training and the transfer car system, and is currently supporting the training curriculum for the many carpenters who will use the system to support Columbia work.
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.
