Colloquially referred to as drones, several unmanned platforms participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, along with manned platforms.
Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the capability of multinational forces.
Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIV-1) Commander US Navy Cmdr. Jeremiah Daley said RIMPAC 2022 was a great opportunity to train his team on common naval cultures between partner nations.
“It was gratifying to host discussions with senior leaders from participating nations on unmanned operations for RIMPAC 2022 and future concepts, as we advance our partnerships with manned and unmanned teams,” Daley said. “The opportunity to navigate such a large formation of ships did not escape me as an operationally and tactically minded surface warfare officer.
“I appreciate the presence of such a broad, interconnected and capable coalition of like-minded partner nations here and what it means to our shared values in the future.”
Known as the Phantom Fleet, the Seahawk, Sea Hunter, Ranger and Nomad unmanned surface ships participated in RIMPAC 2022.
Seahawk and Sea Hunter are each 130 feet long with a center hull and two outriggers. Ranger and Nomad are 200 feet long, 35 feet wide and have a huge rear cargo deck.
Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to August 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The largest international maritime exercise in the world, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and maintaining cooperative relationships among participants essential to keeping sea lanes safe and the world’s oceans safe. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series which began in 1971.
