Electric Boat achieves a major milestone by successfully completing the development of the necessary Build Authority (BA) Base Capabilities identified for our shipyard to build submarines using the Integrated Product Development (IPDE) tools and processes.
The completion of this two-year project, totaling 92 IT tasks will enable our deckplate mechanics to build COLUMBIA (CLB) and VIRGINIA Payload Module (VPM) utilizing new IPDE tools and processes deemed as good or better than those used to build legacy VIRGINIA (VA). “By achieving this critical milestone, we’ve set the stage for building a new class of submarines utilizing a new tool system and processes. Most EB employees will only experience a culture shift of this magnitude once in a career. It’s exciting to know that we are at the cusp of an extraordinary transformation within our business,” commented Pete Dixon, Design Build Director.
With the completed development of BA Base Capabilities, EB has the ability to:
- Integrate Teamcenter with Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRP-II) and Electronic Work Packages (EWP), used by the shipyard employees to manufacture, assemble, and test CLB and VPM
- Display digital models of design products in trades’ work instructions
Adam Giuliano, IPDE BA Lead and Acting Design-Build Manager stated, “This was a tremendous effort orchestrated by the coordination of many employees throughout numerous departments. IT software engineers worked together with countless business and trade representatives to define, re-build, and test software upgrades that are now deployed. Their dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone provides the foundation to build upon our tools and processes so that our shipyard employees will be equipped with the tools they need for success on the work we have ahead.”
While development of BA Base Capabilities is complete, our work is not; validation of those capabilities is key to proving that we are ready to execute submarine construction using IPDE. Processes are being established to enable the proficient use of the new tool capabilities. Employees must demonstrate use of the capabilities in production. This process is underway, initially on prototypes, and increasing in scale to full rate production.
Completion of BA Base Capabilities enables the IPDE program to shift our focus onto efficiencies and opportunities that increase performance, reduce costs, and improve ease of use such as:
- Increase utilization of digital devices on the deckplate using tools such as the Interactive Work Instruction (IWI)
- Tackle long-standing differences in systems to make information more readily available in a user-friendly format that helps our workforce complete their jobs
- Incorporate modern technology such as Augmented Reality into the hands of more trade mechanics
“Electric Boat understands the performance challenge necessary to support the workload expected from the COLUMBIA class and VIRGINIA Payload Module design and COLUMBIA and VIRGINIA class ramp up in construction through the 2020s. This ramp up must be achieved by increasing EB’s employee base of new shipbuilders while concurrently losing many veteran shipbuilders who spanned low rate production to a well-deserved retirement. The completion of this milestone is a key step in progressing IPDE throughout our enterprise to meet the upcoming demand,” commented Kurt Hesch, Chief Operating Officer.
To learn more about IPDE and EB’s Model Based Vision, employees are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Design-Build Trade Show this fall to be held in New London and Groton (and soon to follow at the Quonset Point facility). Information including dates, times, and locations will be forthcoming.
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
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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→
