The establishment of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado marks a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy.

Outfitted with Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs), the squadron is dedicated to bolstering naval capabilities through the seamless integration of unmanned systems in both surface and joint maritime operations.

Capt. Derek Rader, assuming command, underscored the pivotal role of sailors in maximizing the potential of these unmanned systems.

Vice Adm. Brendan McLane echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Navy is placing unmanned systems in the hands of 400 of our most talented warfighters.”

The GARCs, or Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts, engineered by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, facilitate research, testing, and operational endeavors aimed at seamless integration across surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces.

They are poised to support diverse missions, including those alongside carrier strike groups and surface action groups.

Additionally, the squadron introduces a new robotics warfare specialist rating tasked with managing and operating these cutting-edge systems.

USVRON Three falls under the purview of Surface Development Group One, led by Cdre. Shea Thompson, who emphasized the squadron’s mandate to achieve full operational capability.

“There are currently no boundaries, and we have an incredible opportunity to determine what right looks like within our sphere of influence,” Thompson remarked.

“And the SURFDEVGRU One and USVRON Three teams are manned by like-minded surface warriors who are making considerable strides in validating small USV capability while laying out a clear path to achieving full operational capability by a timeframe that matters.”

USVRON Three is dedicated to deploying the most powerful unmanned platforms within the maritime realm.

Serving as a cornerstone in establishing expertise for operating and sustaining small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV), the squadron will lead the development of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for sUSV operations and maintenance.

Embracing the motto “Victory Through Ferocity,” USVRON Three embodies a commitment to excellence and effectiveness in its endeavors.

SURFDEVGRU 1 assumes responsibility for the upkeep, training, and staffing oversight concerning unmanned surface vessels (USV), Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).

The mission of CNSP (Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific) is to recruit, train, and equip the Surface Force, empowering fleet commanders with potent naval capabilities to dominate the seas and project power ashore.

Relevant articles:
– U.S. Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three, Inside Unmanned Systems
– Navy stands up new robo-ship squadron as Pentagon pursues Replicator systems, DefenseScoop
– Navy establishes new unmanned surface vessel squadron with focus on small USV tactics, Inside Defense
– US Navy Forms Second Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron, The Defense Post