Can you talk at an unclassified level about where NSW is in its development of its UAS program? What does it currently have in its inventory and what would it like to see in the future?

The NSW unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program provides a unique capability to deployed forces, allowing for organic, direct support information gathering for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and force protection missions. The two platforms currently employed are the Multi-mission Tactical UAS (MTUAS) ScanEagle and the All-Environment Capable Variant (AECV) Puma.

Our collective experience tells us that it makes good sense to adapt and advance NAVSCIATTS’ role to directly support maritime and special operations security force assistance objectives with partners.

Originally developed for fishing vessels to track fish migration, NSW has adapted the ScanEagle for operational use, resulting in more fleet interoperability opportunities, expanded Navy surface ship capabilities, and providing operational commanders greater situational awareness on the battlefield. Technological improvements in sensor suites enable tactical forces to better characterize activities of interest. MTUAS provides a high degree of awareness and support necessary to NSW operations.

The active-duty component of the NSW UAS program has been in commission for several years, operating in theaters around the globe. Now, with the integration of NSW reserve component support, there is greater ISR capacity and more NSW operators downrange offering fleet and Geographic Combatant Commanders a wider range of options to deliver a higher level of tactical, operational, and strategic impacts in areas of operation.

The future of the NSW UAS program will include increasing the presence of UAS elements to deployed NSW units, integrating the Small Tactical UAS (STUAS) Blackjack, and developing a scalable UAS maritime capability.

How has the Navy’s rebalance to the Pacific affected NSW training and operations in recent years? Where do you see the focus of NSW in the future as it relates to the Pacific area of responsibility (AOR)?

Any shift in guidance by the Department of Defense sets new requirements to be met within the limits of U.S. Special Operations Command and NSW stewardship. The rebalance to the Asia-Pacific effort is no different. NSW training and operations are balanced globally and are tailored to support each theater Combatant Command’s requirements, which change over time to support national and theater needs. The focus for NSW in the Pacific AOR is consistent with strategies set forth at the national and theater level, USSOCOM guidance, and leverages NSW’s relationship with the Navy in a principally maritime theater.

How does the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) support the SOF commander’s goal to create a network of like-minded allies focused on security around the globe?

Our collective experience tells us that it makes good sense to adapt and advance NAVSCIATTS’ role to directly support maritime and special operations security force assistance objectives with partners. NAVSCIATTS provides a contained, controlled, and quality environment that enhances the return on investment for the long-standing, episodic engagements in different theaters.

NAVSCIATTS trains and educates foreign security forces and other international students on small craft, operations, communications, weapons, maintenance, and instructor development. More than 10,000 students from 100+ partner nations have graduated since 1963, with an average of 400 to 500 students graduating each year. Our personnel are developing relationships with their counterparts and leaders of partner nations through NAVSCIATTS even before they deploy. Those relationships pay big dividends when they meet up again in-theater.