U.S. Army Tests Unmanned Ships to Revolutionize Military Resupply Missions

The U.S. Army is taking a major step into the future by testing unmanned ships as part of its efforts to modernize military operations. These tests are part of a larger military training exercise known as Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5), held in April 2025 in the Indo-Pacific region. The goal is to explore how Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) can be used for resupply missions and other tasks without putting human lives at risk.

This exercise is a key part of the Army’s ongoing push to bring advanced technology into real-world operations. It also supports the broader aim of building a more efficient and digitally connected military force. USVs are designed to operate without human crews, using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced navigation systems to perform their missions.

Colonel William “Will” C. Arnold, who leads transportation efforts at the Army’s Combined Arms Support Command, said the training helps them learn how autonomous vessels work together and how to command and control them. These vessels are not just remotely operated—they can make decisions and navigate on their own, thanks to smart systems powered by AI and machine learning.

Unlike older Army watercraft, which lacked modern technology, these new USVs come with advanced sensors, real-time data sharing, and strong digital systems. This means they can adapt to changing situations, avoid obstacles, and complete missions with little or no human input—even if operators are thousands of miles away.

One of the soldiers who took part in the training, Specialist Luke Ferguson from the 569th Dive Detachment, found the system easy to learn. By the second day of training, he was able to track, communicate with, and manually control the vessel when needed.

Another key benefit of these unmanned ships is that they reduce the need for onboard crews. Without human fatigue or the need for rest, the vessels can stay in action longer and handle missions that would normally require a full team.

The Army sees PC-C5 as a chance to test how emerging technologies like USVs can work in real combat scenarios, especially alongside allied forces. If successful, these vessels could become a regular part of military logistics, making resupply missions faster, safer, and more reliable.

As the Army continues to test and improve this technology, it moves closer to creating a more agile and future-ready force. In the words of Specialist Ferguson, “If we can integrate this technology into our equipment, it would significantly streamline our operations.”