In a defining moment for naval warfare,

the U.S. Navy has inaugurated Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three (USVRON Three) at Naval Base San Diego on May 17,

marking a revolutionary leap toward integrating unmanned systems into the Fleet’s combat operations.

USVRON Three, under the command of Capt. Derek Rader, is set to manage a fleet of Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC),

small unmanned surface vessels (sUSV) designed to augment the Navy’s traditional combatants and provide a wider range of tactical and strategic advantages.

These 16-foot vessels, produced by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, are key assets for research, testing, and operations, fostering integration across naval forces.

Vice Adm. Brendan McLane emphasized the groundbreaking potential, stating,

“In this decisive decade, it is critical that we put the right team in place at USVRON Three, and I believe we have done just that.”

McLane further highlighted the commitment to “placing unmanned systems in the hands of 400 of our most talented warfighters” to foster the integration and scaling of these systems.

Adding to this development, USVRON Three will implement a newly announced robotics warfare (RW) specialist rating, which will enable expertise in areas including computer vision, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, crucial for operating the sophisticated RAS platforms.

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

The squadron’s motto, “Victory Through Ferocity,” reflects the determination to deliver formidable unmanned platforms and develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for sUSV operations.

Parallel to this initiative, the Navy is also poised to launch a second unmanned squadron focused on small USVs to confront challenges in the Western Pacific, as announced by Admiral Sam Paparo at the WEST 2024 conference.

This move comes as part of a broader strategy to implement a “sea denial” concept to counter potential threats, by utilizing swarms of unmanned platforms.

Capt. Alex Campbell of the Defense Innovation Unit discussed a “critical conceal and reveal strategy” for these platforms, underscoring the importance of operational security.

Relevant articles:
– Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three, Seapower
– USS Leyte Gulf Returns From Final Deployment, Seapower
– Navy Will Stand Up Lethal Drone Unit Later this Year, First Replicator USVs Picked, USNI News
– US Pacific Fleet to stand up second unmanned surface vessel squadron this year, Breaking Defense