US Navy confirms first deployment of unmanned warship alongside aircraft carrier strike group

Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Hung Cao confirmed on October 14, 2026, that the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployed with the Leidos Seahawk unmanned surface vessel, marking the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group has integrated an ocean-going autonomous ship into active fleet operations. This deployment evaluates whether long-endurance autonomous vessels can sustain operational availability, communications, and navigation alongside conventional surface combatants during extended Pacific missions. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Chosin (CG-65), and USS Decatur (DDG-73) arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 16, ahead of Exercise Keen Sword 2027.