Hi everyone, this is Kevin. Today is Thursday, September 30th.
On Friday, September 24th, the federal government released new COVID workplace safety protocols for federal contractors. In summary, the government is requiring full COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees of federal contractors. While the guidance we reviewed states a vaccine deadline of December 8, we have asked for additional information and clarity. We will continue to update you as we learn more.
My guiding principle, and that of the EB senior leadership team, has been consistent—keep everyone as safe as we reasonably can while staying focused on designing, building and maintaining the submarines our nation needs. To date, our principles have allowed us ÂÂto stay safe and achieve our mission.
For me, taking the vaccine was a relatively straightforward decision. As you know, I contracted COVID early on, in April of 2020. While my experience with COVID resulted in mild symptoms, I knew then I didn’t want to chance a second case of COVID. I received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine with the same side effects many of you are already aware of. I learned, subsequently, that the natural antibodies and the vaccine may have reduced my risk of a second case to a level lower than either natural antibodies or the vaccine alone can provide. While the risk of contracting COVID cannot be completely eliminated, I believe I have minimized any risk of hospitalization or death from a breakthrough case.
We estimate a substantial number of the EB team have not reported their vaccine or have not been vaccinated. For those who have not yet been vaccinated, I am asking each of you personally to take action and get your shots. If you are vaccinated, I am asking you to provide documentation of your vaccination status—examples include a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or an immunization record from a health care provider or pharmacy.
In the coming days, the Human Resources team will tell you how to provide evidence of vaccination to our medical team.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available at all EB clinics and pharmacies for employees, as well as in pharmacies and clinics in the communities surrounding our facilities. Dependents of EB employees can receive a vaccination at the EB Family Wellness Center in Groton or at a community location. Keep in mind, depending on which vaccine you receive, it will take as much as six weeks before you may be considered fully vaccinated. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it takes three and four weeks, respectively, between injections. Following the last injection, there is an additional two-week waiting period before you are considered fully vaccinated.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve all worked hard to keep each other safe and to comply with mandates and requirements like working from home where possible, masking and social distancing, and have worked equally as hard to adjust our work and home routines to minimize the spread of the virus while staying on mission. I personally appreciate your commitment to that mission and your support in complying with rapidly changing, and often confusing, requirements.
Thanks for all you do; we’ll talk again soon.
Kevin
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
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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→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
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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→
