On Wednesday, July 31, the USS John Warner was certified and delivered back to the Navy 17 days ahead of schedule. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the project – they should be proud of themselves and their work,” said John Occhionero, program director of submarine maintenance and modernization.
Electric Boat was approached by the Navy in early March after a rudder problem was identified on the Virginia-class boat. The repair was emergent since the Navy needs the boat to support deployments later this year. The EB team proposed a period of performance from April 22 through August 16, with an incentive completion date of August 1.
“The success of this maintenance availability is due to the outstanding pre-planning effort between all involved, including the operations trades, ships management, purchasing, test, the docking crew, engineering and the program office,” said Occhionero. “When unexpected problems arose, the entire team turned it around. That’s why we were able to meet our early incentive date. It shows the Navy how well we can perform.”
Also critical to the EB team’s exceptional performance on the John Warner were the many lessons learned from Montpelier, EB’s largest submarine repair job, which was completed this spring, “such as using the same team from one boat to the next, because they knew what was expected,” said Occhionero. “It’s rewarding, and fun, when we can deliver on time or early.”
SSN 785 left EB on August 2, and the crew reports the rudder is performing well. As part of the repairs, EB also replaced torpedo tube shutter bearings and performed additional testing. “For the removal of the rudder, we utilized new construction fixtures, which enabled us to save a great deal of time,” said Occhionero. “In addition, we supported about 10 – 15 alteration installation teams (AITs), who came in to work on a variety of areas, taking advantage of the boat being docked.” AITs typically come from outside companies or the Navy themselves.
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
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→
