Task Force 59 Archives

A Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System launches munitions from a MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vehicle, attached to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 59, during Exercise Digital Talon in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 23. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Justin Stumberg)

Robo-ship from US Navy task force launches missiles in Middle East region

A USV operated by Task Force 59 successfully attacked a target boat with a “Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System” during an exercise last week, according to U.S.…

Nov 2, 2023 By Jon Harper

An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle launches from the deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) in the Gulf of Oman, in an image released Oct. 6, 2023. (Photo by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs)

US Navy task forces use slew of drones in recent operation to keep tabs on Iranian military assets

The Navy is pursuing a variety of robotic platforms as it moves toward a hybrid fleet of crewed and uncrewed systems.

Oct 6, 2023 By Jon Harper

How US Central Command’s task forces are shaping the future of operational AI

The Navy’s Task Force 59, the Air Force’s Task Force 99 and the Army’s Task Force 39 are exploring cutting-edge technologies that could give the U.S. military…

May 10, 2023 By Jon Harper

Two unmanned surface vessels, a Devil Ray T-38 and Saildrone Explorer, operate in the Gulf of Aqaba, Sept. 10, during Eager Lion 2022. (U.S. Navy photo)

Navy to expand unmanned systems campaign to 4th Fleet this summer

A new Navy effort to integrate unmanned systems into 4th Fleet in Central and South America will kick off in July, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced.

Apr 4, 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

Rear Adm. Wikoff tapped to command Navy’s 5th Fleet, which oversees unmanned task force

If confirmed, Wikoff's assignments would connect him to Task Force 59, which is developing a “mesh network” of unmanned surface vessels and other assets enabled by artificial…

Jan 27, 2023 By Jon Harper

Sea Hunter, an autonomous unmanned surface vehicle, arrives at Pearl Harbor to participate in the Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aiko Bongolan)

Navy keen on containerized payloads to maintain flexibility for possible medium unmanned vessels

The Navy has been experimenting with a variety of unmanned surface vessels and payloads.

Jan 13, 2023 By Jon Harper

A Marine Advanced Robotics WAM-V unmanned surface vessel operates in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 29, during Digital Horizon 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Murphy)

5th Fleet commander reveals ‘takeaways’ from recent exercise with AI-enabled drones

During its first-ever Digital Horizon event, the Navy's Task Force 59 brought together 17 commercial partners and applied 15 advanced unmanned data integration and AI systems.

Jan 12, 2023 By Brandi Vincent

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’s Task Force 59 reaches full operational capability as it works to build a ‘digital ocean’ of connected assets

Task Force 59 is developing a vast integrated network of sensors and unmanned systems.

Jan 10, 2023 By Brandi Vincent

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