Hi everyone, it’s Kevin. It’s Friday, December 4th.
For today’s COVID update, I wanted to let you know that we’re in continuous communication with the health departments of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Both Governor Raimondo and Governor Lamont held press conferences yesterday. In Rhode Island, Governor Raimondo characterized her state’s COVID case data as concerning, but not surprising given the predictions for a second surge during this time after Thanksgiving. The positive news is that Rhode Islanders appear to be complying with what she calls “the pause” in place through December 13 as demonstrated by traffic data in Rhode Island. That’s an indicator that people are staying home, working from home and generally following the rules. During the pause, Rhode Island gyms, bars, bowling alleys, movie theaters and casinos are closed and social gatherings are banned, among other restrictions.
Here in Connecticut, Governor Lamont reported yesterday afternoon that the state reached its highest positivity rate at 7.13%, a possible result of the holiday travel around the Thanksgiving holiday. Both governors set expectations on the imminent rollout of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The scheduling information is very fluid, literally changing by the hour, as Pfizer has just reported some supply chain issues that may set back their schedule. It’s anticipated the first doses of vaccine will be shipped out to states the week of December 14th. Healthcare workers, nursing home residents and workers, and medical first responders will be the first groups to get the vaccine—this group is known as Phase 1a.
In our discussions, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has projected they will receive enough vaccines to offer access to all Phase 1a individuals by the end of January. The state is currently defining who makes up the next population—referred to as Phase 1b. Right now it is defined as people whose jobs make it hard or impossible to work from home. From our perspective, a significant portion of our shipbuilders fall into this category. Connecticut would start offering vaccines to the Phase 1b population in the February time frame. The rollout will continue through the spring with vaccines available to all populations by June.
We’ll keep you posted on information about vaccine roll-out as it becomes available. But I think the fact that our workforce has been prioritized is important. It underscores the importance of our company staying operational in a pandemic and our critical role in keeping our nation safe.
That timeline means we can’t throw out our masks anytime soon—we need to remain vigilant to control the spread and stay healthy. Earlier today we sent out a note describing how we’ll conduct our annual turkey give-away in Connecticut next week. And if you haven’t had a chance, please take a closer look at the communication as there are multiple changes from previous years. From my perspective, I want to make sure we’re maintaining and sustaining what has been a long-standing tradition here at EB in the turkey give-away. It’s a longstanding tradition that people feel good about; so much has been disrupted and changed this year that at least we can maintain that tradition as close to normal as is reasonable. I hope it helps give you the feeling that we’ll get through this together. Our goal was to keep that tradition and keep everyone safe, and so there are some restrictions about how to pick up turkeys that you need to be aware of.
Due to COVID, there is greater need than usual in our surrounding communities for donations. If you’re considering donating your turkey, this would be a good year to do it. We’ve talked to several of the food banks in the area, and they are very hard hit as a result of the pandemic, so I would hope you would consider that. I am donating my turkey for just that reason.
Stay safe, stay healthy and we’ll talk again soon—Kevin.
Employee Advisory: May 20 Travel Delays Expected in Groton and New London
Employees should anticipate significant travel delays on Wednesday, May 20, due to the presidential visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Local police departments in Groton and New London have announced road closures, travel restrictions and extensive no‑parking zones beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. Temporary intersection and roadway closures are expected...Continue reading→
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.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
