25 Spring 2025 Proceedings operational and logistical constraints of these cutters— supported by ship drawings, information manuals, and site visits—we could establish a clearer understanding of the possibilities and limitations for UxS integration. To further ground our analysis in practical applica- tions, we coordinated directly with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Ship Control and Navigation Training System (SCANTS) team. The SCANTS simulations were devel- oped to model UxS and cutter teaming in operational missions, such as identifying and intercepting targets of interest, conducting aids to navigation (ATON) verifica- tion, and responding to environmental incidents. These simulations were vital in translating theoretical concepts into actionable scenarios, providing a foundation for the workshops and discussions that would follow. Rather than focusing on selecting a single system for acquisition, our goal was to map out the operational constraints and opportunities for UxS integration. By applying rigorous criteria, like minimum endurance thresholds and specific power requirements, we refined our understanding of where current UxS technologies align with the Coast Guard’s needs and identified areas where further research or development may be necessary. Bridging Theory and Practice Building on the initial analysis of the technological landscape, the project advanced to a more hands-on approach, focusing on validating findings through direct engagement with Coast Guard personnel and testing the practicalities of UxS integration in real-world scenarios. To achieve this, we conducted a series of workshops with key stakeholders, including crews from fast response cutters in Boston and buoy tenders in Newport, Rhode Island. These workshops were meticulously planned, incorporating insights from the SCANTS simulations developed earlier in the project. The simulations, which modeled potential UxS/cutter teaming scenarios, pro- vided a critical foundation for the discussions, allowing participants to visualize how UxS could be operational- ized within their specific mission sets. During these workshops, we engaged in detailed discussions about the practicalities of UxS integration, including storage, energy requirements, and the physi- cal constraints of the cutters. The scenarios, like using UxS for autonomous passenger transfers to and from cutters, supply transport, and ATON verification, were used to explore the feasibility of various operational concepts. These discussions also highlighted significant challenges, particularly regarding crew training, asset maintenance, and the operational impact of introducing UxS into existing workflows. The insights gained from these workshops were invaluable in refining our approach to UxS integra- tion. The hands-on demonstrations and scenario-based discussions helped identify key areas where further development is needed, such as the need for specialized training programs and adjustments to current safety procedures. Additionally, these interactions underscored the importance of having UxS-certified personnel avail- able during operations, as well as the logistical consid- erations of launching and recovering UxS under various environmental conditions. Field Testing UxS Capabilities After comprehensive analysis and stakeholder engage- ment, the next crucial step was to test the feasibility of UxS integration through real-world trials and opera- tional demonstrations. The Coast Guard faced the chal- lenge of selecting suitable uncrewed systems for testing without narrowing the focus to a single asset prema- turely. To address this, the project leveraged existing assets, including both uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), to conduct a series SCANTS simulations, like the one above, were critical to understanding the possibilities and limitations of UxS. Coast Guard photo by James Hines Researchers install a custom mast and forwardlooking infrared technology on the 26RDC in March 2024. Coast Guard photo by Evan Gross
