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.
July 20 Traffic Alert for Groton Access to I-95
July 20 Traffic Alert: Commuters Urged to Use Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) to Access I-95 The City of Groton is urging drivers to use Clarence B. Sharp Highway to access Interstate 95 after a car accident Saturday on Mitchell Street darkened traffic lights at the intersection of Meridian & Mitchell streets. Four-way stop...Continue reading→
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→
