U.S. Navy Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three: Advancing Maritime Capabilities

USVRON Three established to lead unmanned surface vessel operations, enhancing Navy's capabilities for future maritime challenges.

The U.S. Navy has established a new command, USVRON Three, to oversee a fleet of small, unmanned surface vessels (sUSVs) known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC). During a recent ceremony, Capt. Derek Rader took command of the newly formed squadron.

Capt. Rader highlighted the critical role of sailors in integrating these unmanned systems into the Navy. “Our Sailors are the essential key for integration of unmanned surface vessels in the Navy and joint construct,” Rader said. He emphasized that this integration will be achieved through fleet testing and doctrine development by current operators, who are crucial to maximizing the potential of these new technologies.

The GARCs, manufactured by the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, are 16-foot USVs designed for research, testing, and operations. These vessels will enhance the Navy’s warfighting capabilities by providing additional capacity and flexibility. They can operate with carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or independently, offering commanders more options for tactical and strategic missions.

Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, Commander of Naval Surface Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivered the keynote speech at the ceremony. “With challenging obstacles to overcome, we have put the right team in place at USVRON Three,” McLane said. He expressed confidence in the 400 talented warfighters assigned to integrate and experiment with these unmanned systems.

USVRON Three will also incorporate a new rating, the robotics warfare (RW) specialist, into their teams. This rating, announced in February by the Chief of Naval Operations, is designed to support Robotic Autonomous System (RAS) operations and maintenance. RW specialists will be experts in computer vision, mission autonomy, navigation autonomy, data systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning on RAS platforms.

USVRON Three will report to Surface Development Group (SURFDEVGRU) One, led by Commodore Shea Thompson. Thompson emphasized the opportunity to shape the future of unmanned surface vessel capabilities. “There are currently no boundaries, and we have an incredible opportunity to determine what right looks like within our sphere of influence,” Thompson said.

The mission of USVRON Three is to develop formidable unmanned platforms for maritime operations. The squadron will play a key role in building the foundational knowledge needed to operate and maintain sUSVs and will lead the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for their use and sustainment. The squadron’s motto is “Victory Through Ferocity.”

SURFDEVGRU 1 oversees the maintenance, training, and manning of unmanned surface vessels, Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). The broader mission of the Commander of Naval Surface Forces Pacific (CNSP) is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force, providing fleet commanders with the credible naval power needed to control the sea and project power ashore.

This new initiative underscores the Navy’s commitment to integrating advanced unmanned systems into its operations, enhancing its capabilities and preparing for future maritime challenges.