26 Proceedings Spring 2025 of integrated trials. Previously, the RDC decided to retrofit existing small boats—specifically, the 26-foot over the horizon cutter boat Mark V (26RDC) and the 29-foot response boat- small II with Sea Machines autonomy packages. These retrofitted boats provided a versatile platform for test- ing various UxS capabilities and concepts of operation. Additionally, the RDC’s existing UAS program provided key findings with its AeroVironment Puma LE, a light- weight, hand-launched fixed-wing drone, that was lever- aged to enhance testing. These autonomous small boats were designed to be optionally uncrewed, allowing them to operate both as traditional manned vessels and as uncrewed systems. This dual capability was crucial for testing the flexibil- ity and adaptability of UxS in Coast Guard operations. The remote helm, a belt-pack controller that allows for line-of-sight operation, enabled operators to control the small boats without being onboard. Additionally, the Sea Machines interface on a laptop provided more advanced control options, including waypoint navigation and col- lision avoidance. Through a series of trials, the project team evaluated key operational scenarios, such as bringing the small boat alongside a cutter underway. Prior experience with driving small boats quickly proved to be a significant factor in mastering the remote helm, with qualified oper- ators able to effectively maneuver the boat after minimal training. These trials also explored practical solutions for line handling and securing the small boat alongside the cutter, ultimately developing techniques like conducting supply transfers by using boat hooks to grab payloads. The integration of these systems with the cutter’s operational workflow was further refined through the use of the Sea Machines interface, which allowed for seamless transitions between autonomous missions and manual control. This setup was critical in testing sce- narios such as autonomous refueling, supply transfer, and ATON verification—demonstrating that UxS could significantly enhance operational efficiency while main- taining safety and reliability. As the testing continued, focus shifted to pushing the limits of the boats’ operational capacities. Enhancements including forward-looking infrared technology, networked radars, and advanced domain awareness cameras were integrated to increase maritime domain awareness. By networking all data through wireless mesh network radios and leveraging Starlink, a satel- lite-based internet service for improved global connec- tivity, the project aimed to maximize the effectiveness of both surface and aerial uncrewed systems in Coast Guard operations. As part of this networking effort, the AeroVironment Puma LE UAS was able to send cursor- on-target data to the autonomous systems, directing the boats toward a target of interest with precision, demon- strating the potential for coordinated UxS operations in complex mission environments. Realizing the Vision: UxS in Coast Guard Operations The exploration of uncrewed systems within the Coast Guard has revealed significant potential for these tech- nologies to enhance mission effectiveness and opera- tional efficiency across the fleet. The successful testing and integration of UxS with smaller cutter classes, like buoy tenders and fast response cutters, underscore the adaptability and versatility of these systems in real- world scenarios. However, realizing the full potential of UxS within the Coast Guard will require continued effort and invest- ment. The findings of this project highlight not only the operational benefits of UxS, but also the challenges that must be addressed to fully integrate these systems into the fleet. Issues such as crew training, maintenance, and the physical and logistical constraints of smaller vessels remain critical considerations. Moreover, the Coast Guard must continue to refine its strategy, ensuring that future UxS technologies align with the unique demands of its missions. The research conducted up to this point offers foundational understanding of these requirements, but the journey toward widespread UxS adoption is far from complete. Continued innovation, rigorous testing, and strategic planning will be essential to achieving the vision of a fleet where UxS are an integral part of operations. Looking forward, it is clear uncrewed systems have the potential to transform the way the Coast Guard con- ducts its missions. By building on the insights gained from this project and addressing the identified chal- lenges, the Coast Guard can chart a course toward a future where UxS not only augment but also redefine its capabilities. About the authors: Derek Meier is a project manager within the Surface Branch of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, primarily working on autono- mous surface vessel technologies. He holds a degree in mechanical engi- neering from the University of Connecticut. After starting his career in submarine construction, he later transitioned to the Research and Devel- opment Center, where he has served for more than five years. LT j.g. Jorge Wismar, a 2021 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, earned a bachelor’s degree in operations research and computer analy- sis and serves as a project manager and military advisor in the Surface Branch of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, special- izing in the integration and operational testing of uncrewed systems. Endnotes: 1. United States Coast Guard, Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan March 2023, https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/2023%20 Unmanned%20Systems%20Strategic%20Plan.pdf
