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US Navy Deploys GARC Uncrewed Surface Vessel in First Live-Fire Training Exercise
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The U.S. Navy confirmed its first live-fire training exercise of the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), an uncrewed surface vessel, during a sinking exercise (SINKEX) off the coast of Hawaii on July 17, 2026. The exercise was part of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and involved targeting the hulk of the former amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu. The GARC, built by BlackSea Technologies, has a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds, a range of 700 nautical miles, and can be operated individually or in swarms. The exercise was executed by Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 (USVDIV-32), commanded by Sarah Weinstein. This milestone follows the Navy's earlier experimentation with GARC and its use in NATO's BALTOPS 2026 exercise, as well as the recent combat deployment of similar Corsair USVs by U.S. Central Command against an Iranian naval facility.
Source report
The U.S. Navy is rapidly advancing its unmanned surface fleet, marking another milestone with the first live-fire training exercise of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) uncrewed surface vessel.
Key Developments
Just over two weeks after U.S. Central Command used three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas naval base in Iran—described as the "first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations"—the Navy confirmed its first live-fire training exercise involving the GARC.
During the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, two former U.S. warships—the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu and the cruiser USS Mobile Bay—were sent below the seas off the coast of Hawaii in a live sinking exercise (SINKEX).
On July 24, the Navy released footage of the sinking, including the GARC targeting the hulk of the USS Peleliu.
Command and Execution
Sarah Weinstein, a surface warfare officer currently serving as the first Commanding Officer of Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 (USVDIV-32), confirmed that her division was behind the execution of the Navy's first GARC live fire.
"It was incredible to watch my team execute with precision and we were thrilled to provide a perspective of the former USS Peleliu that often isn't often captured in a SINKEX," Weinstein wrote on LinkedIn.
The sinking took place on July 17, with the GARC at the center of the Peleliu SINKEX.
About the GARC
Created by Baltimore-based BlackSea Technologies, the company describes the GARC as the "most proven tactical sUSV on the water."
Key specifications:
- Payload capacity: Up to 1,000 pounds
- Range: 700 nautical miles at 22 knots
- Length: 16 feet
According to BlackSea, the GARC "combines modular payload flexibility, advanced autonomy, and rugged endurance." Operators can control the vessels individually or as a swarm, and it can be driven manually or given a target to follow using radar.
Recent Milestones
- August 2025: The Navy announced it was "experimenting with the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC)" to support naval operations.
- June 2026: USVDIV-32 utilized the drone boats during Exercise BALTOPS 2026, one of NATO's premier maritime exercises.
- July 2026: First live-fire training exercise during RIMPAC.
Looking Ahead
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal in June, Weinstein noted:
"We are at the beginning and we don't even know where we're going to take it yet. The GARC originally was designed to kind of do a limited skill set, and we've turned it into something that can do escort, that can do surveillance, intelligence, maritime domain awareness, and we've already with one platform been able to expand what is in the realm of possible."
With its role in sinking the USS Peleliu, the GARC continues to surpass its testing milestones as it moves toward operational deployment.
About the Author
Claire Barrett is an editor and military history correspondent for Military Times. She is also a World War II researcher with an affinity for Sir Winston Churchill and Michigan football.
Source
Navy TimesWestern
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