By Paul J. Marsiglio,
Director of Safety &
Industrial Hygiene
Through the remainder of 2018, we need to refocus on the number-one priority at Electric Boat: SAFETY. This is a very busy year, with seven ships in different stages of construction, three of which are very close to being certified and delivered to the Navy. The new hires are taking full advantage of New Hire Safety Training as well as quality time in the trade Active Learning Centers. This reduces the risk of injury as new employees become more acclimated with their surroundings. While we are on track for another good safety performance year, during the first two weeks of August, 53 employees were injured in the shipyard. Twenty-nine reported injuries in which the treatment required more than first aid; ten lost time away from work.
The majority of these injuries, if not all, could have been avoided. The three main contributing factors were PPE compliance, performance of a meaningful Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and the presentation of a meaningful pre-job brief. There are many excuses for not wearing the required PPE — it’s too hot, it’s heavy, it gets in the way, I don’t need it, etc. There are also many reasons to wear the required PPE — to avoid lacerations, the loss of an eye, hearing loss, and to go home to family. Even with the performance of a good JHA, you can’t predict what material or debris could be in the overhead that could fall into your eyes, or that the employee grinding next to you is going to change position, or that the employee working above you is not going to drop something. Wearing your PPE in this hazardous environment is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do.
We have a very strong safety program at Electric Boat. In the last four years, more employees have gone home safer than ever before, and the safety incentive was achieved for the sixth straight time. Most recently, we achieved pressure hull complete on the SSN 792 (Vermont) with no injuries. We docked the SSN 788 (Colorado) and undocked the SSN 765 (Montpelier) with no injuries. The SSN 790 (South Dakota) was certified for fast cruise. Employees working together and watching out for one another allowed this high-risk work to be accomplished injury free.
Later this September we’ll be augmenting our safety program with an emphasis on injuries and near-miss events that could have led to a potential significant injury or fatality. The program, entitled the SIF (significant injury or fatality) program, will require a passionate teaming of all employees. The intent is to focus on the question “what could have happened.” Studies show that companies who exhibit a safety metric that is continually improving tend to get lulled by the positive data. The SIF program will also introduce a number of learning events to help reduce or eliminate injury risk in specific high-risk daily activities. This program will also introduce a SIF rate to help us better understand what risks could be hidden within the positive safety performance indicators.
Safety is not about statistics; it’s a value we all must hold. Strong safety performance can only happen through strong teamwork. If we continue to work together safely, we can make 2018 another record-breaking year!
Thank you for all that you do.
Employee Advisory: May 20 Travel Delays Expected in Groton and New London
Employees should anticipate significant travel delays on Wednesday, May 20, due to the presidential visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Local police departments in Groton and New London have announced road closures, travel restrictions and extensive no‑parking zones beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. Temporary intersection and roadway closures are expected...Continue reading→
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country. The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
