By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force Commander (CNSP) announced the formation of the Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. This squadron is equipped with Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs), marking a significant step in the integration of unmanned systems into surface and joint maritime operations.
The USVRON Three will oversee a fleet of small, unmanned surface vessels (sUSV) known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC). Crafted by the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, the 16-foot GARCs (Guided Autonomous Research Crafts) are designed to facilitate research, testing, and operations, paving the way for integration across surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces.
These GARCs are set to enhance the Navy’s conventional combatant force by providing additional warfighting capabilities and capacities. This enhancement will equip commanders with a broader spectrum of capabilities and deployment options, thereby amplifying the Fleet’s tactical and strategic advantages. The ultimate objective for these Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) is to enable fleet operations in coordination with carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or even on a standalone basis.
In essence, these 16-foot GARCs, engineered by the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, are purpose-built for research, testing, and operations. Their integration into the surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces will be a game-changer. The squadron’s mission is to oversee a fleet of these small, unmanned surface vessels (sUSV).
Army Establishes New Mobile, Cyber-Hardened Data Network
The establishment of USVRON Three is a part of the broader trend of military forces worldwide expanding their long-range strike capabilities. The U.S. Army, for instance, has been developing technology for long-range strikes since the Obama administration. The Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) with extended range beyond 400 kilometers is a key technology within the service’s long-range precision fires portfolio.
At the ceremony, Capt. Derek Rader took the helm of the newly established USVRON Three. He emphasized the crucial role of sailors in integrating unmanned surface vessels into the Navy and joint construct. This integration, he explained, would be achieved through rigorous fleet testing and the development of new doctrines by the very operators present at the ceremony.
During his keynote speech, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the team at USVRON Three. He highlighted the Navy’s commitment to placing unmanned systems in the hands of its most skilled warfighters to integrate, scale, experiment, and employ these systems.
USVRON Three will also incorporate the newest rating, the Robotics Warfare (RW) specialist, into their teams. Announced in February by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), these specialists will enable Robotic Autonomous System (RAS) operations and maintenance at the tactical edge. The mission of USVRON Three is clear: to deliver the most formidable, unmanned platforms in the maritime domain. The squadron will lay the groundwork for operating and maintaining sUSV and lead the development of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for sUSV operations and sustainment. Their motto, “Victory Through Ferocity,” encapsulates their determination and resolve.
The mission of CNSP, meanwhile, is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. This event marked a significant step towards that goal, heralding a new era in naval warfare.
