Naval training and unmanned vehicle developments announced

The Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) has conducted a historic first by collaborating in person with the engineering department of the USS Wichita (LCS 13) to validate Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS). This direct engagement allows the command to ensure that training documents covering navigation, seamanship, and engineering remain relevant to current fleet operations and systems.

Separately, SOFWERX and the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive Office–Maritime (PEO-M) have announced an assessment event for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) scheduled for November 2026. The event aims to facilitate collaboration between Special Operations Forces and USV vendors to inform the development of the USV Mission-Aligned Reference Architecture (MARA).

The USV assessment will focus on two primary mission types: Escort vessels designed to support manned ships during transit, and Interceptor vessels capable of rapid launch and high-speed transit. Data gathered will be used to improve interoperability and reduce redundant development costs across government and industry.