Many of you have recently watched a training video concerning VIRGINIA Class certification. So why was it important for you to learn about our certification process?
Our submarine certification process is structured to ensure “maximum reasonable assurance” that the material condition of the ship is satisfactory for the safe conduct of trials and operation. To provide this assurance, we rely on our workforce to comply with all material control and work processes. Our certification system (7G and 3G databases) relies on:
- Design/Engineering information to define material, work and testing requirements to support ship delivery in accordance with specification requirements
- Work instructions to translate the design/engineering information into sequenced, discrete work and test packages
- Performance of work and test in accordance with the detailed instructions and completion of the required Objective Quality Evidence (test data and signatures for work completion)
- Re-entry controls on and documentation of any work performed on a component or system after initial completion
- Identification of any issues or non-conformances in a timely manner
- Tying any issues or liabilities identified to the specific hulls affected
- Resolving any issues or liabilities in a manner that meets the technical requirements
Our certification is EB’s written guarantee that the material condition of the ship is in compliance with the authorized design and meets all requirements. This robust system of accountability starts with you. Everyone is responsible to ensure that we document all known material conditions immediately upon identification. To support the upcoming certification of USS Vermont (SSN 792), you may be asked by your supervisor whether you are aware of any emergent issues that may affect the material condition of the ship or component we are certifying.
Our certification process relies on your adherence to procedures. This starts with you; therefore, the training is to ensure we all:
- Know how our systems and processes work
- Operate within these processes
- Demonstrate formality and rigor in how we execute work, document and adjudicate liabilities
If you are unsure of whether or not an issue or liability is applicable to a hull before certification or have questions on the certification process, ask your supervisor.
The certification process also validates that we are in compliance with special emphasis program requirements (SUBSAFE, DSS-SOC and Fly-by-wire). Last week’s Groton WIB discussed the USS Grayback incident that resulted in the death of five Navy divers and spawned the DSS-SOC certification process. Every year, our SUBSAFE training reminds us of the loss of the USS Thresher; we listen silently as we hear the sounds of bulkheads and the hull collapsing and reflect on the lives that were lost with those sounds. From the Thresher tragedy, the SUBSAFE Program was born. The special emphasis processes are focused on ensuring that uncontrolled flooding does not occur, the ship can recover from a flooding casualty, ship control is maintained and DSS personnel can be recovered without injury if there is an accident. Proper execution and material compliance for work in these programs is critical.
We must ensure that the submarines that we send to sea are ready for safe conduct of trials and operations in an environment that would otherwise not sustain human life.
Larry Runkle, VA Program Director
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→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
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.
