By Larry Runkle
July 23, 2018
This week is the MLB All-Star game, which traditionally marks the halfway point of the baseball season. During the All-Star break, players get some time off to relax and recharge for the second half of the season. Locally, the Red Sox and the Yankees typically prepare for the second half and the drive to the playoffs. This year looks like an exciting playoff drive for both teams. The season’s champion may once again come down to who emerges as Mr. October like Reggie Jackson was once named for his outstanding playoff performances.
At Electric Boat, we are just coming out of the July 4 holiday period and are preparing for our second half of the year. We also have a “playoff” drive to make. In the second half of 2018, we will deliver three submarines, boosting our nation’s defensive posture and helping to ensure our nation’s freedom. In late August/early September, we are poised to commence initial sea trials and deliver the new-construction submarine South Dakota (SSN 790). In late September/early October we are prepared for sea trials and delivery of USS Colorado (SSN 788) as her post-shakedown availability is completed. And, later in October, we will be focused on the completion of the USS Montpelier (SSN 765) IDD, returning this SSN 688 (Los Angeles) class submarine to mission readiness.
It has been several years since Electric Boat has delivered three submarines in one year, let alone in less than six months. We will deliver three submarines in 2019 as well. Great teamwork will be required to achieve our goals. In baseball, the teams that are successful in the playoffs execute the fundamentals well, achieve contributions from throughout the lineup and demonstrate outstanding teamwork. Likewise, at Electric Boat, we all have an important role to play in the delivery of these submarines. We must focus on the fundamentals of our trade or discipline and work together. Our hard work, focus on safety and quality, and drive to ensure we get each detail right is necessary to put these ships to sea with confidence. Teamwork with the ship’s crew, with SUPSHIP Groton, with other Navy and government organizations, with our Newport News Shipbuilding partners and between Electric Boat departments and organizations is crucial to ensure that testing and sea trials are safe and successful.
This is our playoff run… our drive for October excellence. Our success in delivering three submarines in the second half of 2018 will demonstrate that Electric Boat is up to the challenge of increased new construction and repair work.
