US Navy deploys first carrier strike group with a large drone ship

On October 14, 2026, the USS Theodore Roosevelt's CSG-9 became the first carrier strike group to deploy with a large uncrewed surface vessel, the Leidos-built Seahawk. The 135-foot MUSV displaces 156.86 tons and can operate autonomously for months; the group will take part in the Keen Sword 2027 exercise with Japan.

• Seahawk by Leidos: 135 feet long, 156.86-ton displacement, composite hull
• Designed to operate uncrewed for months with transoceanic range
• Navy took delivery of Seahawk and Sea Hunter in August 2025
• CSG-9 will join the Keen Sword 2027 exercise with Japan