Joint Force Marks First Lightfish Unmanned Vessel Launch

By Navy Lt. Heather Chairez

Commander Task Force 66 launched the Lightfish, an unmanned surface vessel, for the first time from a partner nation's vessel during Exercise Cutlass Express 26 off the coast of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, Feb. 9.

The launch was part of an unmanned systems training event with the Seychelles Coast Guard, designed to test the Lightfish's abilities in the open ocean with limited connection. 

"We are making history at Cutlass Express 26 by demonstrating our enhanced warfighting skills through our robotic and unmanned capabilities alongside our maritime partners," said Navy Lt. Bryna Loranger, CTF 66 operations officer. "[U.S.] 6th Fleet is seeking new ways to build partner maritime domain awareness capabilities during this exercise by promoting interoperability. Through sharing and experimenting with Seychelles Coast Guard assets and infrastructure, we are enhancing our expeditionary robotic autonomous systems capabilities in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility." 

CTF 66 is a fully uncrewed task force that uses advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence, to help the 6th Fleet and its partners move faster to maintain a strong presence across Africa's maritime zones while detecting illegal activity. 

The task force is leading the Navy in innovating its approach to warfighting during an age when information systems, technology and vulnerabilities in the global economy are being weaponized by adversaries operating in the gray zone, outside the domain of traditional warfare.

"Through exercises like Cutlass Express 26, we are adapting alongside our partners by integrating unmanned tactics directly into operations," said Navy Rear Adm. Kelly Ward, director of strategic effects for CTF 66. "We are leaning into this domain hand in hand with our partners, translating innovation into warfighting readiness and enhancing maritime security to protect freedom of navigation." 

Cutlass Express 26 has 19 partners and allies working together through a series of shore-based training events. The exercise provides all participating nations with an opportunity to work side by side to synchronize and rehearse real-world scenarios that will include medical training, visit, board, search and seizure and maritime interdiction training, as well as counter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing procedures. 

Established in May 2024, CTF 66 is the 6th Fleet's first all-domain task force designed to integrate robotic and autonomous systems with naval, joint and NATO partners in the European and African theaters of operations. Since its establishment, the task force has driven innovation and developed unmanned technologies to enhance the way militaries integrate naval platforms across all domains, all of which are enabled by this emerging technology.

CTF 66 currently maintains 22 USVs; however, the task force expects to double its lethality as additional assets reach operational readiness. These USVs increase maritime domain awareness and serve as force multipliers. 

Exercises like Cutlass Express allow CTF 66 to leverage strong collaboration with partners and allied nations to operate large numbers of unmanned systems at scale. These partnerships enable the task force to preposition and deploy assets in host countries ahead of time. 

CTF 66 and its USVs continue to enhance deterrence, lethality and capabilities in the European and African theaters of operations.