Hi everyone, today is Friday, May 15. (Click here for podcast.)
Yesterday, the Connecticut Air National Guard saluted the state’s medical workers in flyovers over hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state to say thanks. I was standing on the Wetdock with members of our medical team and our volunteers when the C-130 transport plane flew by Lawrence and Memorial hospital. I have to admit it was moving to think about how all of us are connected on a very basic human level as a result of this pandemic.
Today I’d like to offer my own thank you to everyone involved who has enabled our business to continue through COVID-19. On Wednesday, I talked about the milestones we’ve met over the last few weeks. Those milestones would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the folks throughout all of our facilities. To all of you who have played a part in making history by keeping our business running — thank you.
Our first round of testing is winding down. Thank you to those who have gotten tested. Since my last update, we’ve identified one additional positive case of COVID-19. The individual works in Department 453 on the sixth floor of Building 88. They were tested on May 12, and their last day of work was May 13. Out of nearly 4,500 people tested, we’ve identified only 2 new cases. I believe these results are due to the aggressive stance we have taken to protect you during the pandemic and by every EB employee doing their own, personal part to stay safe. I am proud of the work we have done together and I hope you are too. I can’t think of a better example of living our core value of “Valuing Each Other.”
We’ve documented our approach to protecting the workforce from the virus and are now identifying things that have worked, and things that might require some additional thinking. All of these lessons will be important in the coming weeks as we transition out of our crisis response into Recovering with Resilience. I am grateful for your cooperation, your flexibility, and for your ingenuity as we have found new ways to deliver on our mission. That flexibility will be key as we move forward.
Yesterday, our Director of Safety, Paul Marsiglio, put out a reminder about wearing appropriate face coverings. There’s so much about this disease that we do not know, but what we do know is clear: wearing a mask prevents droplets of virus from infecting other people. Wearing a mask shows you value other people. No one enjoys wearing a mask. In the words of one of our seasoned shipbuilders on the deckplate, “I wear a mask because I worry about my mother in her late 80’s, my siblings, my grandchildren—it’s not just about me.”
So please remember, we’re all in this together. Our purpose states that we deliver the advantage that protects our sailors, our families and our freedom. Right now, that means protecting others from catching the virus—it’s that simple.
It sounds like we’re finally going to have some spring-like weather in New England this weekend. I hope you can get out and enjoy it, safely. I think we’ve all earned it.
Thanks for listening.
Kevin
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.
