The U.S. Navy is making an unprecedented leap into the future of maritime warfare with the official establishment of its second Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON Three) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
This squadron, designed to oversee a fleet of small, unmanned surface vessels (USV) known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), marks a significant step in integrating cutting-edge technology into naval operations.
The GARCs, have a displacement of 1,633 kilograms, a top speed of 35 knots, and a range of over 740 kilometers.
The Pacific Fleet squadron builds on its predecessor’s effort to focus on medium and large USVs, offering additional warfighting capacity and capability to the traditional combatant force.
According to Capt. Derek Rader, “Our sailors are the essential key for the integration of unmanned surface vessels in the Navy and joint construct.”
“This will be accomplished through experimentation with the fleet testing and doctrine drafted by operators you see today, who embody and execute the warfighting that we need to achieve to enable the full potential of unmanned systems.”
“This is a uniform capability that we’ll be able to own, operate… [and] can be employed within particular spaces,” Adm. Samuel Paparo told an audience here at West 2024 in San Diego. A “principle element within warfare is the element of operational security. So, our most exquisite capabilities, if I’m doing my job, you won’t [know] about it.”
Admiral Paparo emphasized the strategic importance of operational security, hinting at “exquisite capabilities” the squadron might possess, which, if he’s doing his job right, the public won’t know about.
Additionally, it will spearhead the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures for small USV operations and sustainment, featuring a robotics warfare specialist.
The specialist will enable “Robotic Autonomous System (RAS) operations and maintenance. at the tactical edge and be the subject matter experts for computer vision, mission autonomy, navigation autonomy, data systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning on the RAS platforms,” the US Navy explained.
According to the US Navy, the squadron intends to operate in conjunction with carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or even independently.
Cdre. Shea Thompson expressed that there are “currently no boundaries,” presenting an opportunity to determine what right looks like within their sphere of influence.
“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.”
The U.S. Navy is currently in the early stages of developing an Integrated Combat System, together with contractor Lockheed Martin.
This system will eventually connect the operations of manned and key unmanned vessels, allowing for more seamless combined operations.
Relevant articles:
– US Navy Forms Second Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron, The Defense Post
– US Navy to form second USV squadron, Armada International
– US Pacific Fleet to stand up second unmanned surface vessel squadron this year, Breaking Defense
– Navy Will Stand Up Lethal Drone Unit Later this Year, First Replicator USVs Picked, USNI News