The United States Navy has taken a significant step toward integrating advanced maritime drones into its forces by establishing Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three (USVRON 3) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities by leveraging small, autonomous surface vessels known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs).
During a ceremony on May 17, Capt. Derek Rader assumed command of the newly formed squadron. USVRON 3 will fall under the command of Surface Development Group One (SURFDEVGRU), directed by Commodore Shea Thompson. Capt. Rader emphasized the critical role of sailors in this innovative endeavor: “Our Sailors are the essential key for 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.”
Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, Commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the advanced capabilities and strategic importance of the squadron. “The Navy is placing unmanned systems in the hands of 400 of our most talented warfighters to help integrate, scale, experiment, and employ these systems,” McLane said.
The GARCs, manufactured by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, are 16-foot vessels designed for a multitude of missions, including reconnaissance and kinetic operations. These unmanned vessels can operate alongside traditional naval assets like carrier strike groups and surface action groups, or independently. The GARCs will enable extensive research, testing, and operational integration across surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces.
USVRON 3 also introduces the Robotics Warfare Specialist rating, a role aimed at facilitating Robotic Autonomous System (RAS) operations and maintenance at the tactical edge. Announced by the Chief of Naval Operations in February, these specialists are subject matter experts in areas such as computer vision, mission autonomy, navigation autonomy, data systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning on RAS platforms.
The formation of USVRON 3 is part of a broader initiative by the Pentagon to field thousands of autonomous systems across various domains by August 2025, under the Replicator initiative. The initiative aims to counter the increasing military capabilities of global adversaries. The Replicator initiative, supported by a significant financial investment, underscores the strategic importance of developing and deploying autonomous systems within a relevant timeframe.
The establishment of USVRON 3 is not merely about technological integration but also about creating a foundational knowledge base for operating and maintaining small unmanned surface vessels (sUSVs). According to Thompson, “There are currently no boundaries, and we have an incredible opportunity to determine what right looks like within our sphere of influence. 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 mission of USVRON 3 is to deliver the most formidable unmanned platforms in the maritime domain, enhancing the Navy’s tactical and strategic advantages. The squadron’s motto, “Victory Through Ferocity,” encapsulates its mission to push the boundaries of naval warfare. As part of SURFDEVGRU 1, the squadron will have responsibilities extending to the maintenance, training, and manning oversight of various high-tech naval assets, including Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).
The larger mission of the Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSP), remains to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power capable of controlling the sea and projecting power ashore.
Relevant articles:
– Dispatch Newspaper|Navy News|SURFOR establishes USVRON 3 , Navy Dispatch, 05/24/2024
– U.S. Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three, Inside Unmanned Systems, 05/21/2024
– U.S. Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three At Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Marine Insight, 05/21/2024
– US Navy Forms Second Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron, The Defense Post, 05/21/2024
– Naval Surface Force Forms New Squadron Dedicated to USVs; Derek Rader Quoted, Executive Gov, 05/21/2024
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