The Yellow Moray, a REMUS 600 UUV, carried out a pre-programmed mission designed to support subsea and seabed warfare (SSW) efforts. The operation demonstrated the potential for robotic and autonomous systems to be deployed from submarines.
As part of the mission, Delaware conducted three UUV sorties lasting six to ten hours each using the same vehicle. These sorties validated the system’s ability to perform multiple missions without the need for diver-assisted launch and recovery.
“This capability allows us to extend our reach with additional sensors at both shallower and deeper depths than a manned submarine can access,” said Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, Commander Submarine Forces. “It reduces risk to the submarine by performing dull, dirty, and dangerous missions with the UUV, and the Yellow Moray system reduces risk to our divers since we can launch and recover via a torpedo tube.”
Vice Admiral Gaucher also stated: “Delaware is just the beginning. We plan to continue to deploy submarines with robotic and autonomous system capability worldwide so we can give more options to our Combatant Commanders by enhancing the capability of our SSNs.”
The use of UUVs expands mission possibilities, including seabed mapping, mine detection, and intelligence gathering, particularly in areas that may be too hazardous or inaccessible for manned submarines. These systems provide operational commanders with additional situational awareness and flexibility.
The deployment also highlighted the ability of the Submarine Force and UUV Group 1 to adapt to technical challenges. Initial launch and recovery attempts in a Norwegian fjord in February were unsuccessful, and technicians later identified damage to a critical component of the UUV.
To maintain the ship’s operational schedule, the damaged UUV was returned to the United States for repairs and then redeployed. Following an expeditionary reload, Delaware completed multiple successful torpedo tube launches and recoveries, including the first pierside diver torpedo tube load of a UUV in Norway.
The Delaware mission reflects a development in undersea operations using robotic and autonomous systems. The integration of such systems is expected to enhance the operational flexibility and capabilities of future submarine missions.
USS Delaware is a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine designed for a range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, strike operations, surveillance, and mine warfare. These submarines feature advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and high levels of automation.
