US Navy Deploys First Large Uncrewed Vessel With Carrier Group

The United States Navy deployed the Leidos Seahawk, a 145-ton autonomous surface vessel, with a carrier strike group for the first time in its history. The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier group departed San Diego in late September 2026, bound for the Middle East.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao described the uncrewed vessel as a "force multiplier" intended to expand the Pentagon's options in modern warfare. The deployment provides additional capabilities should President Donald Trump decide to restart military strikes against Iran.

This move follows previous Navy use of autonomous systems, such as the Corsair II for pilot rescues and underwater vessels used for sea mine removal in the Strait of Hormuz. The Seahawk had previously been operated during the 2026 Rim of the Pacific naval exercises in Hawaii.