U.S. Navy special operations officers are looking to integrate both electronic warfare capabilities and kinetic firepower into the many next-generation naval vessels they have fielded in recent years. Officials with the Special Operations Command Program Executive Office—Maritime (SOCOM PEO Maritime) made their case for this during the annual Global SOF Foundation Special Operations Forces Week.
Launched Effects to be Integrated into Next-Generation Warships
SOCOM PEO Maritime, which manages a wide range of naval systems from surface ships to diving equipment, underwater vehicles to diving shelters, has undergone a significant modernization process in recent years. Of the 31 medium-sized warships, 30 have recently been fielded, and the future of this fleet is being shaped by the CCM-Mk 2 program. This program will potentially include the integration of various “launched effects” such as short-range rockets or electronic warfare systems onto the boats. This approach, called “Precision Engagement at Sea,” is primarily aimed at providing ships with precision strike capabilities. The CCM (Combatant Craft Medium) and similar platforms, the Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH) and Combatant Craft Assault (CCA) fleets that will be equipped with these launchers are also being modernized with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) devices. The Navy currently has 84 FLIR devices for this modernization effort.
SOCOM Maritime Has Fielded 42 Warships in the Last Decade
Commander Nick Van Dyke, head of surface systems for the SOCOM Maritime Program Executive Office, said a total of 2014 warships have been fielded between 2023 and 42. Van Dyke also noted that three ships have been commissioned for the CCH platform and two more are in production.
Search for Unmanned Marine Vehicles Accelerates
In addition to these next-generation surface vehicles, the SOCOM maritime team is actively exploring unmanned maritime vehicle (UAV) options for both short- and long-endurance missions. Such autonomous vehicles could navigate over designated areas at various distances and perform tasks such as traffic monitoring, carrying sensors, or, in the future, carrying various payloads. The SOCOM maritime team’s goal is to add 2027 short-endurance and 13 long-endurance autonomous unmanned surface vessels to the inventory by fiscal year 12.
Unmanned Submarine Ship Project That Can Be Launched from Submarines
The maritime team plans to launch another remarkable project later this week. It will issue an industry request for information for a smaller, unmanned submarine vessel (UDV) that can fit into the lock-in/lock-out chamber of a submarine. The new UAV will be able to accompany the Seal Delivery Vehicle Mk 2018, 2024 of which were delivered to SOCOM between 10 and 11. The upgrades from the old Mk 8 to the Mk 11 include improved software, precision navigation, increased range and increased cargo capacity, said Cmdr. Mike Linn, head of PEO Maritime’s underwater portfolio.
Dry Deck Shelters Are Being Renovated
Another important issue on the Maritime team’s agenda is the modernization or replacement of Dry Deck Shelters (DDS), five of which are currently in active service and have been in service for decades. The project, called “Dry Deck Next,” was launched in 2024 and is expected to cover the next five years. Eric Moore, director of Maritime Special Mission Systems, said that various options for improving existing shelters are being considered within the scope of this project. These improvements include remote payload launch and landing capabilities, pressurized hull enhancements, hangar exterior door closure systems, and reduced acoustic and other signatures for greater detection. These modernization efforts are critical to the ability of U.S. Navy special operations forces to operate more effectively and safely in future missions.
