US Navy Deploys Unmanned Surface Vessel with Carrier Strike Group

• •The USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployed with a Leidos Seahawk USV for the first time.
• •This deployment enhances operational capabilities and reduces risks to personnel in high-threat environments.
• •The Navy is increasingly integrating unmanned systems into its maritime strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions.

For the first time, the US Navy's Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployed with a large unmanned surface vessel (USV) as part of its operational strategy. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced this historic deployment during the Association of the United States Army annual meeting on October 15, 2026. The unmanned vessel, a Leidos Seahawk, is designed for extended operations and enhances the strike group's capabilities in maritime operations. This deployment reflects a shift towards integrating autonomous systems into naval warfare, allowing for increased operational reach and reduced risk to personnel. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently en route to the Middle East, where it will replace the USS George Washington. The Navy has previously utilized unmanned underwater vehicles in conflict zones, including the Strait of Hormuz, to minimize human risk. This strategic move comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly with Iran, where the US has maintained a naval blockade.