Carlos Del Toro Archives

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) sails in the Gulf of Thailand, May 7, 2022.. The Navy is currently studying whether LCS could serve as mother ships for unmanned systems. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Alexandra Green)

Mother ships for drones will be ‘extremely important’ for the Navy’s future fleet, Secretary Del Toro says

The Navy is looking at options to meet that need.

Feb 22, 2023 By Jon Harper

A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel operates in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 29, during Digital Horizon 2022. The three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence integration event involves employing new platforms in the region for the first time. (U.S. photo by Sgt. Brandon Murphy)

Deploying contractor-owned robotic vessels could be a fruitful long-term option for the Navy, Secretary Del Toro says

During an interview with DefenseScoop, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said contractor-owned drones could help the sea service overcome acquisition challenges and keep pace with technological change.

Feb 1, 2023 By Jon Harper

Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and CVW-7 perform a flyover of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph A.D. Phillips/Released)

Navy pondering air-launched hypersonic weapons

The Navy is considering the possibility of acquiring air-launched hypersonic weapons for its carrier wings, according to Secretary Carlos Del Toro.

Jan 11, 2023 By Jon Harper

A carrier strike group transits the Pacific Ocean Jan. 25, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Isaacs)

Navy awards IDIQ contracts for $4.1B CANES program

Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services is the Navy's program of record that consolidates and replaces existing afloat networks.

Dec 19, 2022 By Jon Harper

A MANTAS T-12 unmanned surface vessel (USV), front, operates alongside Royal Bahrain Naval Force fast-attack craft RBNS Abdul Rahman Al-fadel during exercise New Horizon in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 26, 2021. Exercise New Horizon was U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Task Force 59’s first at-sea evolution since its establishment Sept. 9, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dawson Roth)

Navy to establish additional unmanned task forces inspired by Task Force 59

The Navy plans to stand up additional regional unmanned task forces around the globe modeled after Task Force 59, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said.

Dec 4, 2022 By Jon Harper

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro speaks at the AFCEA NOVA Naval IT conference, Oct. 25., 2022. (Photo by Jon Harper)

Navy secretary touts cloud as key for unmanned system ops

The cloud is a high priority for Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro as the sea service moves forward with developing and fielding unmanned platforms.

Oct 25, 2022 By Jon Harper

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro speaks at the Professional Services Council’s defense conference, Oct. 20, 2022, in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Jon Harper)

Navy plans to deploy Project Overmatch capabilities throughout the fleet ‘sooner than later’

The advanced networking capabilities will be "transformational," according to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro.

Oct 21, 2022 By Jon Harper

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, train with a Switchblade 300 10C system as part of Service Level Training Exercise 1-22 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Sept. 24, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexis Moradian)

Marine Corps commandant gung-ho about loitering munitions

The tactical unmanned aerial systems offer advantages over more traditional fires such as mortars and artillery, says the commandant of the Marine Corps.

May 10, 2022 By Jon Harper