From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) departed its homeport of Rota, Spain, to execute its ninth Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, May 22, 2026.

Roosevelt, named after U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, is one of five U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These FDNF-E ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

“Throughout the past seven weeks, this crew has trained hard, prepared relentlessly, and proven that we are ready for whatever our next mission demands,” says Cmdr. R. J. DaPrato, commanding officer, USS Roosevelt. “It is an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with these sailors as we head to sea and continue the legacy of excellence that this ship has earned.” 

Roosevelt returned from a six-and-a-half-month patrol on March 27, 2026. During the patrol, the ship operated in the 5^th and 6^th fleet Area of Operations. For the past seven weeks, the crew has been working diligently to prepare for the patrol, focusing on maintenance and training. Roosevelt is scheduled to conduct operations and exercises as directed by U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and C6F, including working directly alongside allies and partners throughout the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — A Texas-based software company has demonstrated the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain integrity while adapting to changing scenarios and environments at sea. 

Striveworks, based in Austin, said in a recent release that it “has demonstrated that AI can operate continuously across multiple vessels simultaneously, maintaining accuracy even as conditions change at sea” during a demonstration for the U.S. Navy. 

“We’ve gotten the data, the results, and we’re pretty proud of that,” said Jim Rebesco, CEO and co-founder of Striveworks, during an interview with Seapower.  

“We’ve demonstrated the ability for AI to play a critical role in targeting custody cycle but in a way that’s very resilient, very trusted, and frankly, robust with environmental or adversary change,” Rebesco told Seapower. “We provide the AI-based tools that enable you to autonomously process that data and ultimately track, identify, maintain custody, and — if you choose to — openly prosecute targets with a much lighter human load.” 

Rebesco sees the future fight as “increasingly dispersed, increasingly autonomous, increasingly USV [uncrewed surface vessel]-heavy.” 

“If you can see first and shoot first, you’re in a really good spot, and if you can’t, you’re in a really bad spot.” 

Striveworks Chariot software “processes all that sensor data coming through,” Rebesco said, noting that Chariot, “is the workhorse that’s underneath this.” 

“Chariot integrates easily with the Navy’s existing infrastructure. By delivering processed insights instead of raw data, Striveworks’ software reduces bandwidth demands while giving operators faster, clearer information,” the company said.  

Striveworks worked with the Naval Sea Systems Command for its demonstration, with its software being platform-agnostic for USVs, noting that “as the Navy buys those boats, we work with the Navy on what they’ve got,” Rebesco told Seapower. 

“The critical challenge facing our military today is keeping AI models working once they’re deployed, especially at scale,” Rebesco said in the release. “Now, we’ve proven that continuity can happen as part of daily operations, instead of the delayed cycles that can represent risk to our men and women in uniform. 

“In the Navy demonstration, Striveworks approached the problem differently. Its Chariot platform incorporates new operational data continuously, applies updates regularly, and delivers retrained models at the speed of need, measured in hours,” the release said. “Striveworks demonstrated rapid model transfer between different vessels and sensors across various sea states. Chariot provided rapid high quality target identification, tracking, and monocular passive ranging complete with full data lineage and no model or data IP restrictions. This bolsters the AI-assisted Commander’s confidence, assuring the advantage to stay aligned with changing conditions rather than fall victim to them.”   

With another Department of Defense customer, Striveworks “saw an over 95% reduction in operational work, like in human labor involved in maintain and do a kinetic action,” Rebesco said. 

“We usually targeted having a fully updated model fully validated, fully tested, fully evaluated — you know exactly what the performance is — within 24 hours. Most of the time we’re well below that. We are constantly taking the operational data that’s coming in. … We train the models from there.” 

Striveworks’ software has been used for defense missions in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and in the Russia-Ukraine War. 

From The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, May 19, 2026  

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarship funding this year to 23 graduate and undergraduate students pursuing STEM-related degrees with a focus or interest in ocean, marine, and undersea technology fields. 

“UTIC is proud to support these outstanding students as they prepare to become the next generation of undersea tech professionals,” said Molly Donohue Magee, CEO of UTIC. “As undersea systems become increasingly advanced and autonomy becomes more important, developing a strong pipeline of talent with expertise in engineering, robotics, sensing, materials, and intelligent systems is critical. These students represent the future leaders who will ensure the United States’ role as a global leader in undersea technology.” 

This year’s scholarship recipients represent 15 universities and colleges across 11 states and include 12 graduate students and 11 undergraduate students. They are pursuing degrees in disciplines including ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, computer science, materials science, physics, and environmental science. 

Several scholarship recipients have already gained hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities with UTIC member companies and partners, including the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center, SAIC, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Raytheon, General Dynamics Electric Boat, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and BAE Systems. 

UTIC launched its scholarship program in 2023 as part of its broader mission to advance workforce development, education, and innovation across the undersea tech ecosystem. 

From Neil Lobeda, May 19, 2026 

Following a successful first flight in April, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced today that the MQ-25A Stingray received Milestone C approval to move into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). 

The milestone marks a major step forward in the Navy’s commitment to unmanned carrier aviation. An LRIP Lot 1 contract for three aircraft is expected to be awarded this summer and include priced options for Lot 2 (3 aircraft) and Lot 3 (5 aircraft). 

“Unmanned refueling extends our reach against any adversary,” stated Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. “Moving the MQ-25A Stingray to Milestone C and into production is arming our warfighters with a capability that increases the lethality of our Carrier Strike Groups. This is a decisive advantage that delivers our warfighters what they need to fight and win.” 

As the world’s first fully integrated, carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle, the MQ-25A serves as the pathfinder for the future of unmanned carrier aviation. Stingray will provide the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) with essential organic refueling, allowing more F/A-18E/F aircraft to focus on strike missions. This will expand the operational reach of the air wing while preserving the service life of F/A-18E/Fs, improving readiness across the Super Hornet fleet. The Stingray is also at the forefront of integrating unmanned systems alongside manned platforms within the CVW, setting the stage for future advancements in naval aviation. 

“Milestone C approval represents an important step for this program,” said Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation. “MQ‑25A will provide persistent aerial refueling and unlock greater capacity across the air wing, ensuring our carrier strike groups remain lethal, flexible, and forward‑ready.” 

“The aircraft is ready, production is ready, and the program is ready to move this groundbreaking capability forward, paving the way for unmanned carrier aviation and enhancing fleet capability, capacity and lethality,” said Capt. Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager. 

The MQ‑25A program is managed by the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA‑268), which is responsible for the MQ‑25A Stingray unmanned air system and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS). PMA‑268 is aligned under the Carrier Strike Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (DPAE), within the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Aviation (PAE(A)). 

Editor’s note: Boeing released the following statement: 

“Boeing is honored to work alongside our U.S. Navy partner in achieving this historic milestone in the MQ-25A Stingray’s development life cycle,” said Troy Rutherford, vice president, Boeing MQ-25 program. “We remain focused on getting this game-changing unmanned aircraft into the hands of the fleet and integrated into the carrier air wing.” 

May 18, 2026 |  By LaShawn Sykes, Military Sealift Command  

At long last, the familiar blue and yellow stripes around the top of the main smokestack appeared against the coastal sky, marking the successful completion of months of dedication and support to U.S. naval forces. 

Family and friends gathered on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, May 16, to welcome home the crew of the USNS Kanawha. The fleet replenishment oiler and its 92 civil service mariners returned after a 204-day deployment, including 156 days actively at sea. 

Operating in the U.S. 4th, 5th and 6th Fleets, the crew served as a strategic enabler. They delivered more than 17 million gallons of fuel, 3,000 pallets of supplies and transported 45 personnel, performing 113 replenishments to 29 U.S. and coalition vessels. As a floating warehouse, the ship enabled sustained operations during key missions, including Operations Southern Spear and Epic Fury. 

“I would like to thank the Kanawha crew and their families,” said Navy Capt. Elizabeth A. Nelson, Military Sealift Command Atlantic commodore. “The Kanawha was underway for seven long months supporting [the USS] Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Without the support of their families, they would not have been able to accomplish their mission. Kanawha’s performance exemplifies how MSC’s combat logistics force powers modern naval operations, directly fueling U.S. Navy readiness at sea.” 

As part of MSC’s combat logistics force, oilers like the Kanawha are integral to the Navy’s logistics system, enabling combatant ships to remain forward-deployed to protect American interests. These logistics forces are the backbone of sustained operations at sea, and the crew who operate these ships — resupplying the fleet with fuel, stores and ammunition — are a strategic piece of Navy operations. 

Replenishments at sea involve supplies being transferred from logistics force ships to combatant ships via underway replenishment. The two primary methods are connected replenishment, which transfers fuel and dry cargo via lines between ships sailing side by side, and vertical replenishment, which uses helicopters to ferry goods between the two vessels. 

Extending the Navy’s operational reach across the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Middle East, the Kanawha leveraged 19 port visits in strategic locations, including Augusta Bay, Italy; Ponce, Puerto Rico; Souda Bay, Greece; and Yambu, Saudi Arabia. 

Through these port calls and ongoing logistical services, the crew acted as essential ambassadors, directly enhancing both diplomatic ties and combat readiness. 

Nelson praised the Kanawha crew. 

“Their MSC family owes them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice — not just for the delivery of fuel and spare parts, but for delivering letters and packages from home that keep the fleet motivated. MSC’s [crews] are the best because they fuel the fight with more than just cargo; they fuel it with care.” 

Crewed and operated by civil service mariners, the ship entered noncommissioned service with the Navy Dec. 6, 1991, to support MSC. The ship is named after the Kanawha River in southwestern West Virginia. 

From Insitu  

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom — 18 May 2026 — Insitu Pacific will attend the Combined Naval Event (CNE) from 19–21 May 2026 in Farnborough, Booth F19, showcasing how the Integrator Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), advanced payloads and mission‑ready AI deliver credible, persistent maritime domain awareness for the UK and allied navies.  

“Combined Naval Event is an important forum for navies looking to move from concepts to practical, reliable uncrewed capability,” said Andrew Duggan, Managing Director, Insitu Pacific. “Insitu Pacific has deep experience integrating sovereign technologies and strengthening local supply chains, while delivering the persistence and reliability required for real maritime domain awareness.” 

With more than 1.6 million operational flight hours and customers in over 35 nations, Insitu platforms have a proven track record in complex maritime environments. 

At CNE, the company will focus on shipborne and shore‑based applications for the Integrator VTOL platform, highlighting how range, endurance and autonomy combine to enhance naval ISTAR and maritime security. Integrator is designed for long‑range, long‑endurance missions, supporting 13+ hours on station at 500 nautical miles – reducing the number of launches and recoveries required for effective operations. Integrator VTOL adds vertical take‑off and landing to proven fixed‑wing performance – supporting operations from naval vessels, austere shore locations and confined sites without sacrificing payload capacity or time on station. 

Insitu Pacific’s participation at CNE will include Insitu’s Oxford‑based Autonomy Centre of Excellence, which is developing autonomy and practical AI behaviours tailored to maritime operations. 

The company will also discuss the application of superior maritime payloads and sensors on Integrator, including advanced EO/IR, maritime radar, SIGINT, SAR and communications relay options. These modular payload configurations support a broad range of naval missions, from task group protection to the protection of critical offshore infrastructure and support to multi‑domain operations. 

“Our UAS solutions are proven, interoperable and ready today for modern maritime missions,” added John Kelly, Vice President Global Growth, Insitu. “With STANAG and MOSA‑compliant systems, advanced autonomy development in Oxford, and a growing UK supply chain, we’re focused on supporting partners with capabilities that integrate seamlessly into existing fleets and coalition operations.” 

A high-speed combat ready unmanned surface vessel, bristling with vital capabilities for global special operations missions 

From BlackSea Technologies 

TAMPA, Fla., May 18, 2026, BlackSea Technologies will showcase its Comet unmanned surface vessel during SOF Week 2026, bringing the company’s larger, high speed combat ready platform to the Tampa Convention Center (TCC) Waterfront at Dock 18 and inside the TCC at Booth 2600.  

Comet is designed to bridge the gap between small tactical unmanned surface vessels and larger unmanned combat craft. The 13.1 meter vessel can exceed 45 knots, carry a 10,000 pound payload including fuel, and support advanced payloads for a wide range of missions, including counter UAS, mine countermeasures, surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, electronic warfare, maritime domain awareness and high value unit escort.  

“Comet brings BlackSea’s proven operational success with our family of unmanned surface vessels to the global special operations community at a time when maritime forces must be faster, more distributed and more adaptable,” said Bob Pudney, president of BlackSea Technologies. “This platform gives special operations forces a combat ready unmanned vessel that can support defensive and offensive missions against current and emerging threats, while carrying the payloads, sensors and effects needed for today’s fight and future operating environments.”  

Comet will showcase mission contributions from several leading industry partners, including Sierra Nevada Corp. with the BRAWLR missile system, EOS Defense Systems USA for the 30mm gun system, Leonardo DRS RADA with the RPS 42 MHR array radar, Seakeeper for gyro stabilization, Volvo Penta for propulsion, and DECPT for a unique signature management wrap designed to increase survivability in contested maritime environments.  

From Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, May 16, 2026 

NORFOLK, Va. - Nearly 4,500 Sailors of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) returned to Naval Station Norfolk the morning of May 16, following a historic and successful 11-month deployment to the U.S. 4th, 5th and 6th Fleets. 
 
The aircraft carrier returned with its accompanying destroyers, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and USS Mahan (DDG 72). USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81) also returned to its homeport of Naval Station Mayport. 

 
Before returning to Norfolk after 326 days, the Gerald R. Ford crew conducted 23 replenishments-at-sea and sailed over 57,713 nautical miles. Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 logged more than 5,760 flight hours and 12,200 flight launches. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth greeted the Norfolk-based ships upon their return home. 

Hegseth spoke to the Gerald R. Ford crew over the ship’s announcement system (1MC) recognizing the Sailors for their resilience and toughness throughout the deployment. 

“For nearly a year, you have held the line for our nation,” he said. “Your voyage took you to places you never expected, from the Mediterranean Sea and 6th Fleet, where you thought you would be, to 4th Fleet, down in Southern Command for Operation Southern Spear and Absolute Resolve. Then, you fought through all the way to finish the latter part of your mission, which was to 5th Fleet in Operation Epic Fury, from Europe to Southern Command to Central Command. There, you had an unmistakable message to the world: no one can match the USS Ford. No one can match the United States military.” 

At the homecoming, Hegseth presented Carrier Strike Group 12 with the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). The PUC is the highest honor a military unit can receive, awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. 

“Individual valor is something we talk about a lot in our military, but what we honor today is something rarer: the collective soul of a unit that encountered the challenges of modern warfare and maintained an unbreakable resolve,” he said. “To wear this ribbon is to tell the world that everyone in this formation fought with an indomitable spirit. You operated with a grit and defiance that sets you apart. By your conduct, you have secured a permanent place in the hallowed lineage of our naval history.” 

Carrier Strike Group 12, commanded by Rear Adm. Gavin Duff, deployed June 24, 2025, and includes flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), commanded by Capt. Dave Skarosi; the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, commanded by Capt. Jacob Rose; Arleigh Burke-class destroyers within Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, commanded by Capt. Mark Lawrence; and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), commanded by Capt. Judson Mallory. The guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 2 include USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96). 

Squadrons of CVW 8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, “Ragin’ Bulls”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, “Tomcatters”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, “Golden Warriors”; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Gray Wolves”; Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, “Bear Aces”; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, “Tridents”; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans”; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.” 

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 

From Lt.j.g Rachael Jones and Ensign Dylan Barron, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs  

CLEVELAND (May 16, 2026) – The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest and last Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Cleveland (LCS 31) in Cleveland.  

During the ceremony, Acting Secretary of the Navy The Honorable Hung Cao highlighted the significance of the crew’s role in bringing the ship to life as it began its commissioned service.  

“Today we celebrate the sailors who breathe life into this ship. To the officers and crew of USS Cleveland, today is your day,” said Cao. 

LCS 31 is the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city of Cleveland. The first was a cruiser (C-19) commissioned in 1903 that served during World War I. The second was the lead ship of her class of light cruisers, USS Cleveland (CL-55), which earned 13 battle stars for its service during World War II. The third was the Austin-class amphibious transport dock, USS Cleveland (LPD 7), which served from 1967 to 2011, providing critical support during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and various humanitarian missions.  

LCS 31 is the 16th and final Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) to be built and commissioned in the U.S. Navy. 

Cleveland’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Bruce Hallett, emphasized the significance of the crew’s role in shaping the ship’s legacy as it enters service. 

“You are not simply serving aboard this ship. You are writing the first chapter of her history. You are forging a legacy that will endure long after all of us have left these decks,” said Hallett. 

The ship’s sponsor, Robyn Modly, gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” at which point the crew ceremonially ran aboard. 

“Every day we do something to support this ship and her sailors will be a glorious day. Today is just the first step toward the many glorious days that will follow,” said Modly. 

USS Cleveland (LCS 31) was built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. Following the commissioning, the ship will transit to its assigned homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.  

In the week leading up to the commissioning ceremony, the Cleveland crew spent time with their ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Robyn Modly, a native Clevelander and wife of the former Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly. The Sailors also participated in community events to build a strong connection with their namesake city.  

Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are fast, agile, mission-focused warships designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants equipped to defeat challenges in the world’s littorals. LCS platforms can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers. 

The commissioning of USS Cleveland underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer. 

The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. 

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/. 

More information on the Littoral Combat Ship Program can be found at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171607/littoral-combat-ship-class-lcs/ 

From BlackSea 

BALTIMORE, May 15, 2026, BlackSea Technologies recently participated in Arctic Sentry 2026, a NATO enhanced vigilance activity in the High North, demonstrating its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft in Ramsund, Norway, alongside partners from U.S. 6th Fleet, U.S. Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON-3) and the Royal Norwegian Navy.  

The exercise gave BlackSea’s GARC unmanned surface vessels an opportunity to operate in the far north, demonstrate autonomous surface vessel capabilities in cold weather maritime conditions, integrate with NATO partners and serve as training tools for the next generation of naval warfighters.  

“Arctic Sentry proves that GARC can operate effectively in dynamic, contested maritime environments north of the Arctic Circle,” said Lunsford Schock, mission director for BlackSea Technologies. “The exercise further cements our nation’s military partnerships with key European allies and reflects BlackSea’s commitment to preserving freedom of action at sea by delivering scalable, intelligent tools to naval forces around the world.” 

NATO launched Arctic Sentry in February as a multi-domain activity to strengthen the alliance’s posture in the Arctic and High North. NATO has said the activity brings NATO and allied exercises, forces and capabilities together under one overarching operational approach to the region. The activity is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk, with overall strategic direction from Allied Command Operations.  

U.S. Navy imagery released May 15 showed a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft attached to Commander, Task Force 66 operating in Breivika Bay during Arctic Sentry 2026. The Navy identified the activity as taking place in Ramsund, Norway, and noted Arctic Sentry’s role in strengthening allied security in the Arctic and High North. 

BlackSea’s participation underscored the role of small, scalable autonomous surface vessels in distributed maritime operations, allied interoperability and training in strategically important waters. The demonstration also highlighted GARC’s ability to support naval forces in demanding operating environments where endurance, adaptability and autonomous capability are increasingly essential.