In a significant move toward integrating unmanned capabilities into naval operations, the U.S. Navy has officially commissioned its second unmanned surface drone unit, the “Hell Hounds” of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON-3).

The squadron received its first four Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARCs) as part of a bold initiative to deploy hundreds of such vessels to work seamlessly with the surface force’s guided-missile destroyers.

The Hell Hounds’ immediate mission involves rigorous testing and operation of the GARCs to establish concepts, plans, and uses for future Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) that will seamlessly integrate with fleet ships.

Navy Capt. Shea Thompson emphasized the pioneering nature of their mission, stating, “We collectively are writing the instruction manuals, qualification standards, concepts of operations and developing the tactics, techniques and procedures for employment of these platforms as we strive to accelerate delivery of USV capability to the fleet.”

The Navy envisions operating low-cost, high-endurance, autonomous USVs equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems.

These USVs would be programmed for missions without the need for direct human control.

The 16-foot aluminum GARC prototype is a testament to this vision and symbolizes a strategic shift in naval warfare.

Vice Adm. Brendan McClane, the Naval Surface Force commander, recognized the potential of drones, including GARCs, to revolutionize naval operations.

He outlined the pivotal role of USVs in distributed maritime operations, affirming that the Navy must operate them “with the same steady routine at which we launch RHIBs or helicopters.”

Simultaneously, the Department of Defense has earmarked $1 billion for the Replicator initiative.

USVRON-3, with an anticipated growth to about 400 members, will spearhead the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures for all USVs.

The squadron’s work with Naval Special Warfare Group 1 and Marine Corps organizations on USV employment is crucial in sorting out the expeditionary roles of these innovative platforms.

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kaleb Cox, a seasoned navigation radar technician, shared his enthusiasm for the USV operations: “It’s really impressive that [I], as a second-class, [have] as much say as I do in the development of how we use this.”

The Navy’s push for USVs and artificial intelligence requires a spirit of innovation now more than ever. As Capt. Derek Rader, the squadron commander, highlighted, the human operators and technicians are the gravity center of these endeavors.

The squadron’s work is not just about the USVs themselves but also about building the capability, doctrine, and employment strategies with the contractor and government team.

Relevant articles:
– Navy ‘Hell Hounds’ Squadron Crafting Missions for Small, Lethal Drone Fleet, USNI News
– 20th ATKS ‘Hellhounds’ earn RPA Squadron of the Year, Whiteman AFB (.mil)
– Adeptus Astartes Legio Magi Cani Inferni -Hell Hounds-, Fandom
– Navy Shipboard Lasers for Surface, Air, and Missile Defense, United States Navy (.mil)