Members of the BlackSea Technologies team joined the Sing Second podcast during Army–Navy Week for a wide-ranging conversation on autonomy, naval leadership, and the future of maritime operations. U.S. Naval Academy alumni Donald Bouchard (Class of 1986) and Jason Salata (Class of 1994) shared insights on how unmanned surface systems are moving from concept to operational reality, why early exposure to these technologies matters for future officers, and what they observed while engaging with midshipmen during the HURT-X exercise in Annapolis. The discussion highlights how today’s midshipmen are already preparing for an increasingly autonomous naval environment.

Baltimore Banner: A Baltimore company churned out drone boats ready for war

On the same South Baltimore waterfront where Liberty ships once defined wartime production, BlackSea Technologies is building the next generation of naval power. The company’s Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) are diesel-powered unmanned vessels capable of long-range operations, representing a new frontier in maritime warfare and U.S. industrial resurgence.

The U.S. Navy deployed Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) and other unmanned systems in NATO’s Dynamic Messenger and UNITAS 2025 exercises across the North Atlantic. Operating from Portugal and the U.S. East Coast, the 16-foot USVs trained alongside allied forces to counter drone swarms, protect infrastructure, and refine tactics for the Navy’s emerging hybrid fleet.

The U.S. Navy deployed Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) alongside allied unmanned systems during Dynamic Messenger and UNITAS 2025—two multinational maritime exercises spanning the North Atlantic. Operating from bases in Portugal and the U.S. East Coast, these trials marked another step toward integrating autonomous vessels into the Navy’s hybrid fleet, improving readiness, and strengthening partnerships with NATO allies.

BlackSea Technologies has become the first accredited AUVSI Trusted UMS Operator™ Training Provider, authorized to issue Trusted Uncrewed Maritime Systems Operator certificates. This milestone advances global standards for uncrewed maritime operations, ensuring operators are trained to meet the highest benchmarks of safety, professionalism, and mission readiness.

The U.S. Navy tested BlackSea Technologies’ Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) naval drones during UNITAS 2025, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. GARCs joined a major deployment that included the USS Harry S. Truman and amphibious units, showcasing their role in enhancing fleet capability with advanced autonomy, modular payloads, and long-endurance operations.

Commander, Task Force 66 (CTF-66) showcased robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) alongside NATO Allies and partners during Portugal-led REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 2025. The live demonstration featured unmanned surface vessels simulating a swarming attack, countered by U.S. Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) to protect critical infrastructure. The event highlighted interoperability, capability development, and NATO’s commitment to integrating unmanned systems into fleet operations.

BlackSea Technologies has introduced its new Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC), a 20-meter aluminum catamaran unmanned surface vessel designed for containerized, mission-flexible operations. With a 30.5-ton payload capacity, 84 square meters of deck space, and 198 kW of onboard power, the MASC supports seven mission profiles ranging from anti-surface warfare to mine countermeasures. Leveraging proven GARC production lines in Baltimore, BlackSea is prepared to deliver an integrated prototype within six months, accelerating the Navy’s transition to a distributed, modular fleet.

A U.S. Navy Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) was deployed in the Atlantic Ocean during UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extended the reach of manned platforms, enhancing capacity and interoperability across the multinational force. UNITAS 2025, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, highlighted regional partnerships and marked the beginning of the U.S. Navy’s 250th Birthday celebrations.