In a dynamic display of joint innovation, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic concluded “Southern Lightning” on April 18—a week-long, multi-domain experimentation exercise off Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Partnering with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane and U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the event tested communications architectures and unmanned systems in a littoral environment, with assets like the USS Cole and MH-60R helicopters supporting operations at sea. Designed to accelerate integration of manned-unmanned hybrid fleets, Southern Lightning is part of the broader Silent Swarm experimentation series, advancing assured communications and electromagnetic spectrum operations across air, sea, and subsurface domains. “Our Sailors and Marines will rely on these systems in future conflicts,” said Cliff Hunt, NIWC Atlantic’s senior technical manager. “This is how we make sure the architecture is ready—now.”

On April 25, 2025, the U.S. Navy formally stood up Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) 7 during a ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. Tasked with overseeing a growing fleet of small, uncrewed surface vessels, including the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), USVRON 7 marks a major milestone in the Navy’s push toward a hybrid maritime force. Cmdr. Matthew Martinez assumed command, underscoring the critical role of Sailors in integrating unmanned platforms into warfighting operations. “We will bring the manned-unmanned hybrid fleet to life,” said Martinez. Vice Adm. Brendan McLane emphasized the urgency of fielding robotic systems, calling them a “combat imperative” for distributed maritime operations. Reporting to Surface Development Group 1, USVRON 7 will pioneer new tactics and capabilities at the tactical edge, driven by the Navy’s newest robotics warfare specialists and supported by vessels like the GARC, built by BlackSea Technologies, to enhance lethality, flexibility, and decision speed in contested waters.

The U.S. Navy is ramping up its focus on unmanned surface vessels (USVs), with plans to establish Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 7 (USVRON 7) in San Diego by mid-2025. As part of this effort, the Navy is expanding its use of the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), a 16-foot autonomous USV built by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (MAPC). Production is set to scale up to 32 units per month, reinforcing the demand for cost-effective, high-volume unmanned systems. With its proven performance and affordability—under $1 million per vessel—GARC is a key component in the Department of Defense’s push for mass-procured autonomous capabilities. The Pentagon’s Replicator program has allocated funding for swarming unmanned systems, further highlighting the need for scalable USV solutions.

For too long, naval power has been measured in tons of steel, but modern warfare demands a different approach. This article explores why the Navy must shift its focus from ship size to sensor networks, firepower, and autonomous systems. With Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) shaping the future, smaller, more agile platforms—like unmanned systems—are proving their value.

BlackSea Technologies had the honor of hosting Rear Admiral Ryan Perry, U.S. Navy Chief of Information, at its Fort Lauderdale location as part of the Navy’s Executive Engagement Visit (EEV) program.

The Navy is set to establish Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 7 (USVRON 7) in May, further expanding its fleet of small autonomous vessels like the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC). This move aligns with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s push to rapidly integrate robotic and autonomous systems, ensuring the force remains prepared for future conflicts, including a potential confrontation with China in the Taiwan Strait. With the Navy aiming to produce up to 32 GARCs per month, USVRON 7 will play a key role in scaling, operating, and maintaining these platforms to enhance maritime warfare capabilities.