Fred Harris pioneered the transformation of Electric Boat’s design/build processes.
The Electric Boat team recently learned of the passing of a former employee and significant leader in General Dynamic’s Marine businesses. Fred Harris died Friday, October 24, at the age of 80.
Fred Harris was an Electric Boat legend; one of our most memorable and influential leaders. Fred was known at Electric Boat as the “father of the Virginia-class submarine program.” Fred’s thorough knowledge of ship design and construction processes, implementation of cutting-edge modular design and build practices, and his relentless drive to raise the bar in achieving new standards of excellence earned him a succession of promotions at Electric Boat, including vice president and Virginia-class program manager, vice president of Programs and senior vice president of Programs. He also served as president of General Dynamics NASSCO and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.
Fred served as an officer with both the U.S. Naval Reserve and the U.S. Merchant Marines, having received his commission in 1967 upon his graduation from Maine Maritime Academy. In the Merchant Marines, Fred sailed on various U.S. flag vessels, most notably aboard the SS Transglobe—the most decorated American merchant ship of the Vietnam War. Following his sailing career which he completed as chief engineer, he entered Babson College where he received his MBA in 1972, graduating with distinction. Soon after graduation, Fred began his shipbuilding career as a senior systems engineer for Electric Boat in the Trident nuclear submarine project.
In the early days of the Virginia-class design effort, Fred pioneered the transformation of Electric Boat’s design/build processes. The Virginia submarine was the first ship designed to be manufactured using modular construction processes. Our traditional “drawing board approach” was replaced with state-of-the-art integrated computer-driven 3D visualization and production control processes. Embedding experienced shipbuilder “know-how” into the design process improved design quality and reduced construction time and cost. Fred raised the standards for submarine program excellence, resulting in the Virginia Submarine Program receiving the Packard Award for Program Excellence. Many of the tools and techniques he developed are still in use today.
If you’ve consulted the EB Writing Guide, checked on status of actions using a Commitment Report or attended a Program Breakfast Club, you will recognize Fred’s legacy. In addition to shaping Electric Boat’s program-management approach, Fred left an enduring mark on our workforce as he shaped and mentored many of our past and current leaders.
Fred Harris is survived by his wife Peggy, his two children and three grandchildren.
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→
