The US Navy is preparing to bring its first medium unmanned surface vessels into operational service, with the Seahawk and Sea Hunter transitioning to fleet control and three new USV divisions set to be established. Speaking at the Surface Navy Association’s 38th National Symposium, Surface Development Group One Commodore Garrett Miller said the move reflects a broader effort to integrate autonomous vessels into routine naval operations. Measuring nearly 135 feet in length, Seahawk and Sea Hunter will initially conduct surveillance missions, providing real-time data to crewed ships in support of anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance. After participating in fleet exercises in 2022 and 2023, the vessels will now join operational units, including a planned assignment of Seahawk to a carrier strike group. The Navy has rapidly expanded its unmanned fleet, created a dedicated career path for unmanned warfare officers, and is pursuing additional USVs capable of carrying containerized payloads for potential kinetic missions, alongside continued investment in autonomous surface warfare technologies.
