BALTIMORE — Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby toured BlackSea Technologies’ headquarters and production facilities on June 18, reviewing how the company is supporting the Navy’s Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles program and where it plans to expand capabilities for fleet use.
“These systems will play a critical role in the future of naval warfare by extending fleet reach, improving situational awareness, and increasing combat effectiveness,” said Kilby. “We see unmanned systems as a force multiplier for traditional vessels, not a replacement.”
Navy officials are acquiring small unmanned surface vehicles (sUSVs) for operations and experimentation as part of a broader push to refine robotic maritime concepts. During the Baltimore visit, Kilby met with BlackSea personnel to discuss the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft, or GARC—a 16-foot USV used for research, testing, and operations aimed at integration across surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces.
Small USVs fall within the Navy’s family of unmanned maritime systems designed to complement the traditional fleet across multiple missions. They are assigned to Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three and USVRON Seven for testing and experimentation, including launch and recovery from Navy platforms.
The service plans to grow capability through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and demonstration, with an emphasis on endurance, resilience, and reducing risk to personnel. sUSVs are already featuring in fleet events such as U.S. Fourth Fleet’s Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event (FLEX) and international exercises including Baltic Operations (BALTOPS).
“The development and deployment of unmanned systems, including the small USV, is a strategic acquisition for the Navy,” Kilby added. “A strong partnership with industry is critical as we seek to maintain technological superiority and operational advantage in an increasingly complex maritime Environment.”
Kilby concluded the visit by observing a GARC demonstration and the BlackSea Seabased Petroleum Discharge System before touring the manufacturing floor. He met with members of the workforce and subject-matter experts for a detailed look at the systems’ versatility and development plans, underscoring the Navy’s reliance on industry partnerships to accelerate fielding of new technology.
