Ghost Fleet Overlord is being developed by theDepartment of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office.[1] It is a partnership between the War Department's Strategic Capabilities Office and the Navy.[2]
Ghost Fleet Overlord ships passing theSydney Opera House in November 2023
As of January 2024, the fleet consisted of three ships delivered and one under construction. The first was USVRanger,[3] the second was USVNomad[1] and the third was USVMariner.[4] The fourth will be USVVanguard, launched on January 15, 2024 but not yet delivered.[5][6] Later in 2024, USVNomad, a converted fast support vessel, was sold by the Navy for $2.11 million and returned to commercial service.[7][8]
While technically "uncrewed", the ships carry a crew of six human sailors. Most of the ship's functions are automated, but can be carried out manually by the onboard human crew if the need arises.[9]
USVMariner is outfitted with next-generation command and control systems and a virtualisedAegis Combat System.[10] Its test will help in putting combat systems on Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles.[11]
