For decades, military reformers like retired Navy Capt. Jerry Hendrix have advocated for replacing expensive and vulnerable aircraft carriers and fighter jets with affordable, numerous drones, but their calls went largely unheeded. However, there are now signs of change as the Pentagon embraces autonomous systems, driven by lessons from the war in Ukraine and initiatives such as Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks's "Replicator Initiative," which aims to rapidly deploy thousands of autonomous systems across multiple domains.

The Navy has established its second unmanned surface drone unit, the "Hell Hounds" of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3, which will deploy with guided-missile destroyers using Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC). This squadron will test and develop operational concepts for small, autonomous USVs to enhance fleet capabilities and reduce human risk in high-threat areas.

On May 15, 2024, Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) was officially established to enhance the Navy's capabilities with advanced 16-foot Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARC), supporting research and operations across various maritime forces. (U.S. Navy video by Kyle Carlstrom)

On May 17, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) established Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three at Naval Base San Diego. The squadron, led by Capt. Derek Rader, will oversee a fleet of small, unmanned surface vessels known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities and integrating advanced unmanned systems into maritime operations. Photos courtesy of U.S. Naval Surface Force.

The Manta Ray UUV prototype successfully completes full-scale in-water testing. Dr. Kyle Woerner, DARPA program manager, highlights the innovative capabilities and readiness for real-world operations.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Joseph Hutchinson gives a presentation on a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) on display as part of Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 24.1 at U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego, March 14, 2024. IBP 24.1 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet experiment, executed by U.S. 3rd Fleet, operationalizing multi-domain employment of unmanned systems to create fleet warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lily Gebauer)

Military and industry representatives view a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) on display as part of Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 24.1 at U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego, March 14, 2024. IBP 24.1 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet experiment, executed by U.S. 3rd Fleet, operationalizing multi-domain employment of unmanned systems to create fleet warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lily Gebauer)

Crew members of Ocean Infinity's Armada 7807 robotic vessel launch a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) off the back of the ship while pierside in San Diego Bay. The 16-foot GARCs built by BlackSea Technologies enable research, testing, and operations that will allow integration throughout the surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Capt. Derek Rader, center, shows the inside of a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) to distinguished visitors as they tour the new crafts at Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3). The 16-foot vessels built by BlackSea Technologies enable research, testing, and operations that will allow integration throughout the surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)