PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — The integration of unmanned equipment in military operations has seen significant growth in recent years, with unmanned surface vessels (USVs) emerging as a crucial element for Army operations.
As technology advances, the benefits of these systems are becoming increasingly evident, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and mission capabilities while reducing risk to personnel.
Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5), held in April 2025 across the INDOPACOM region, served as a key experimentation event by Army Futures Command, aimed at evolving how Joint forces will engage in future combat scenarios.
“This event allows us to see how autonomous systems on the water interact with each other and enhances our understanding of command and control for this technology as we move forward,” stated Col. William “Will” C. Arnold, chief of transportation for the Combined Arms Support Command.
The PC-C5 showcased the capabilities of USVs, highlighting how they can operate independently without risking the lives of personnel, which is indispensable for military leaders striving to make informed decisions under challenging circumstances.
Arnold emphasized that integrating autonomous watercraft into existing fleet capabilities could revolutionize the operational landscape.
“This will allow me to develop a strategy that incorporates future autonomous watercraft into the fleet mix of capabilities that we have for our forces,” he elaborated. “It will also enable service members to monitor all vessels operating in their areas of responsibility, extending the duration of missions without the constraints of crew rest.”
In contrast to traditional fleet vessels that predominantly rely on analog technology, USVs offer remote control capabilities, showcasing a significant leap in technological advancement.
“Our old vessels do not have a lot of digital backbone; this technology will enhance our operational capabilities by integrating advanced sensors and communication systems that can gather real-time intelligence and relay that information back to command centers,” Arnold remarked.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning into USVs further enhances their adaptability, allowing these vessels to respond to dynamic situations and execute missions with improved precision — this can occur from virtually any location, including remote sites.
The ease of learning and using these USVs was notably highlighted during the experimentation, indicating a positive outlook for future training and operational efficiency.
Spc. Luke Ferguson, a diver assigned to the 569th Dive Detachment of the 130th Engineer Brigade, commented, “The training itself was very simple. I understood the system’s functions by the second day, including how to track it, communicate with it, and manually control it when necessary.”
PC-C5 aims to facilitate cooperation among Multinational allies and Joint partners, fostering an environment where personnel, equipment, and technologies can seamlessly integrate to support ongoing transformation efforts.
Ferguson concluded, “If we can integrate this technology into our equipment, it would significantly streamline our operations. The reduced manpower required for setup and ensuring the area’s safety would allow us to operate more efficiently and focus on our core tasks.”
The successful outcomes of this event underscore the Army’s commitment to adapting to the high-tech demands of modern military engagements.
image source from：https://www.army.mil/article/284763/soldiers_experiment_with_unmanned_surface_vessels_in_hawaii_at_pc_c5
