In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Navy inaugurated its Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, marking a significant leap in naval warfare technology.

USVRON Three, wielding the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs), is primed to augment the Navy’s operations by incorporating unmanned systems into both surface and joint maritime maneuvers.

The GARCs, engineered by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, are at the heart of this transformative initiative. These 16-foot long drone boats are designed not only for research and experimentation but also to underpin operations alongside carrier strike groups and surface action groups.

As USVRON Three embarks on its journey to forge the most formidable unmanned platforms in the maritime domain, it carries the substantial promise of elevating the U.S. Navy’s strategic capabilities.

The squadron’s establishment arrives with the introduction of a new robotics warfare specialist rating, a testament to the Navy’s recognition of the evolving landscape of maritime conflict. The specialists will hold the reins of these sophisticated systems, overseeing their operation and maintenance.

“Our Sailors are the essential key for the integration of unmanned surface vessels in the Navy and joint construct,” proclaimed Capt. Derek Rader, the inaugural commanding officer of the squadron.

Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, championing the integration, stated, “The Navy is placing unmanned systems in the hands of 400 of our most talented warfighters.”

Under the stewardship of Cdre. Shea Thompson, and reporting to Surface Development Group One, USVRON Three is charged with a bold mission.

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

The group’s mission encompasses not only maintaining and training but also providing manning oversight for unmanned surface vessels, Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, and the forthcoming USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).

The Navy’s commitment to integrating unmanned systems is part of a broader strategic maneuver by the Pentagon. The Replicator initiative, backed by substantial funding, propels the integration of “attritable autonomous” systems across multiple domains, a measure aimed at countering the military buildup of adversaries such as Russia. The incorporation of unmanned systems holds the potential to reshape the tactical playbook for the U.S. Navy.

These developments under USVRON Three also mirror the Pentagon’s initiative to deploy unmanned assets efficiently and effectively.

Nickolas Guertin, the acquisition chief for the Department of the Navy, emphasized the importance of sustainability and support, stating, “We want to make sure we carry forward the sustainability and support work to make sure that our … [service members] can actually use this stuff in a reliable way when they need to in a fight.”

With USVRON 3’s motto, “Victory Through Ferocity,” the squadron not only symbolizes a futuristic vision for naval operations but also the unwavering spirit of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime dominance.

As the squadron charts the unexplored waters of unmanned maritime technology, it firmly positions the U.S. Navy at the forefront of innovation in naval warfare.

Relevant articles:
– U.S. Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three, Inside Unmanned Systems
– Meet the Navy’s newest sea drone squadron, Navy Times
– Navy stands up new robo-ship squadron as Pentagon pursues Replicator systems, DefenseScoop
– U.S. Navy Stands Up New Unit to Run Small Drone Boats by the Hundreds, The Maritime Executive