USS North Dakota deploys UUVs
The USS North Dakota has returned to its homeport in Connecticut after deploying and retrieving UUVs in an operational environment for the first time, the US Navy announced on 20 July.
The Virginia-class submarine deployed the UUVs from its dry deck shelter in the Mediterranean Sea over a seven-week mission prior to the completion of its post shakedown availability. It joined a group of Virginia-class submarines for the mission.
Capt Douglas Gordon, US Navy, said: ‘The crew was very excited to be chosen to take the ship forward and conduct operations in support of fleet and combatant commanders’ operational objectives.
‘It was a rare opportunity for the crew to be able to deploy prior to executing its post shakedown availability. Many crew members had never deployed before and were able to experience first-hand the hard work and effort required in preparing a ship for deployed operations.
‘They trained hard and expertly executed our mission. I could not be more proud of their performance and the professionalism that they exhibited during our operations.’
Capt Jim Waters, commander, Submarine Squadron 4, said: ‘The timing within USS North Dakota’s schedule, along with its highly-trained and certified crew, made it the optimal choice to conduct this mission. The mission completed by North Dakota also demonstrated the promising and emerging technology of UUVs within the submarine force.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![The shift away from Chinese drone technology presents supplier opportunities]()
The shift away from Chinese drone technology presents supplier opportunities
As countries increasingly move away from Chinese drone manufacturing and focus on domestic production and collaboration, Europe and the US are well-placed to step in – although cost remains a crucial consideration.
-
![What’s next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?]()
What’s next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
-
![Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)]()
Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)
Cummings Aerospace presented its turbojet-powered Hellhound loitering munition at SOF Week 2025, offering a man-portable solution aligned with the US Army’s LASSO requirements.
-
![SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale]()
SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale
PDW has revealed its Attritable Multirotor First Person View drone at SOF Week 2025, offering special operations forces a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for strike and ISR missions, inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions]()
SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions
Teledyne FLIR is highlighting the emerging requirements for 'recoverable and re-usable' loitering munitions across the contemporary operating environment during this week’s SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America]()
SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America
High-performance maritime industry player Kraken Technology Group, based in the UK, has used the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida this week to debut its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the North American market.
