The surface fleet has shot down scores of attack drones and missiles since October, activity without modern precedent in U.S. Navy history. Four medium USV prototypes spent five months in the region working with the Navy-Marine team and allies to push the limits of concepts of operations. A new concept would allow a deployed carrier strike group's cruisers and destroyers to be swapped out with fresh ships during deployment. In recent years, retention among SWOs has remained at approximately 34 to 35 percent, up from a 30 percent retention rate roughly 20 years ago. The fleet, struggling to reach its goal of 75 mission capable surface ships, is looking beyond the basics of ship maintenance for ways to boost readiness. The landing ship medium will be the Corps' first modern stern landing vessel. Thirty years ago, Congress repealed laws barring women from serving on combatant ships and aircraft, paving the way for a new generation of female leaders. The Navy fleet is experimenting with launching and recovering medium UUVs from submarines, even as a formal acquisition effort is still ongoing. The mini missile fire was part of an exercise by a unit working to develop the Navy's drone and artificial intelligence technologies. Watch the robotic goat walk, beg, hop and sway its hips. Load More