The recent live-fire exercise conducted as part of the ongoing RIMPAC 2024 operations around the Hawaiian Islands showcased the operational capabilities of the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) as a high-value unit escort. This exercise served as a platform for testing the effectiveness of unmanned vehicles in carrying out missions while keeping sailors out of harm’s way. Lt. Cmdr. Janet VonEiff, the U.S. 3rd Fleet’s experimentation officer, highlighted the importance of utilizing unmanned craft for missions that can be carried out from relative safety.
The CUSV, launched from the ROK tank landing ship ROKS Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687), was a key player in the exercise. Accompanied by an unmanned aerial vehicle that provided aerial targeting information and visual confirmation, the CUSV successfully fired rockets at an afloat target. The UAV also performed battle damage assessments, showcasing the seamless integration of unmanned systems in military operations.
The live-fire exercise was part of the U.S. Navy’s experimentation program to evaluate the capabilities of the Poniard weapon system for potential adoption by the fleet. Both the U.S. and ROK navies established high-level unmanned scenarios for the exercise, including unmanned detection, tracking, and analysis of targets, as well as the launch of guided rockets from the CUSV. The exercise demonstrated 100% system accuracy, with all rockets hitting their intended targets, highlighting the precision and effectiveness of unmanned systems in military operations.
Lt. Cmdr. VonEiff emphasized the importance of international collaboration in these trials, stating that it is beneficial for nations to share and learn from each other’s advancements in military technology. Collaborative efforts like these allow for diverse thinking and the advancement of capabilities through shared knowledge and expertise. Partner nations are encouraged to join in on the experimentation front to further enhance the effectiveness of unmanned systems in military operations.
RIMPAC 2024, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, involves 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. Taking place in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 27 to August 1, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants. The exercise is critical in ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 marks the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971, showcasing the continued commitment to international collaboration and maritime security.