Hi everyone; today is Wednesday, July 1st. (Click here for podcast.)
I’d like to start today’s podcast with an update on new cases of employees testing positive for COVID-19. Since my last update on Wednesday, June 24th, we’ve had nine new cases; six of those are employees working at Cape Canaveral at the Strategic Weapons System Ashore facility in Florida in departments 242, 272, 445 and 972. One employee is based at Long Hill Road, department 495, and flew on the Cape Canaveral shuttle. The last day of work for all seven was on June 18th.
The remaining two cases are employees in Groton—one in the shipyard, department 474, and the last in department 453 in Bldg. 88-6. Their last days of work were June 25th and June 29th, respectively. The case in Building 88 is particularly concerning because that individual did not feel well and still came to work. Now pre-COVID, many of us came to work when we did not feel well, me included. That attitude is just simply no longer acceptable, and your own personal accountability is a key to ensuring we keep the spread of COVID out of our workplace. You’ve heard me say it over and over again—if you don’t feel well don’t come to work. Our positive case total as of today is 77 with 49 of those employees returned to work.
The news about the spread of COVID-19 around our country, specifically in the South and West is a strong reminder that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. In contrast, Connecticut and Rhode Island are better—that’s because people in our region, in general, have remained disciplined about taking precautions. I am increasingly concerned that we’re starting to drop our guard.
We’re all experiencing COVID fatigue, me included, it’s getting hot and humid, and we want life to be like it was before this pandemic hit. I understand, believe me, but if we relax our standards now, we will continue to see our case rates climb. So please, now more than ever, if you don’t feel well, stay home. Continue to wear a mask at work and in public, I think we’re getting a little slack there, to be honest, keep a safe 6-foot distance from others, frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. We know how to fight this disease, and we know these methods work. Now’s the time to stick to it.
This Saturday, July 4th, we will celebrate the founding of our nation. America has been described as the great experiment—a constitutional republic based on the right of the individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Never perfect, we are a work in progress, 244 years in the making. The American experiment continues as a beacon to the world because of the freedoms that define our nation.
As we’re all well aware, however, these freedoms are not free. They come at a steep cost—never-ending vigilance, constant preparation against aggression and, all too often, the ultimate sacrifice borne by our fellow Americans.
Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve relied on the men and women of our military to protect these freedoms and shoulder whatever burden that’s required.
At Electric Boat, and as shipbuilders, we too do our part—designing and building the means for the U.S. Navy to provide that protection, something I’m very proud of. The nuclear submarines we produce are foundational to our Navy’s effectiveness and our nation’s defense strategy.
Through your dedication, skills and talents, you and your co-workers play an indispensable role in sustaining the powerful and far-reaching capabilities the Navy needs to keep our nation secure. Simply put, what you do every day matters.
On July 4th, we’ll have plenty of reasons to celebrate, and I know our celebrations will be muted a little this year due to COVID, and we have just as many blessings to be thankful for. So while it’s important to discuss the serious issues of the day, and there are many, it’s also important to have some fun, celebrate our country’s birthday, and reflect on the role each of us plays in helping to form a more perfect union. Please be safe and Thanks for all that you do.
Have a great Independence Day!
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.
