USS Chafee Refueled Seahawk Drone at Sea

The U.S. Navy successfully conducted an at-sea refueling test of a 145-ton unmanned surface vessel.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Emergency Response

USS Chafee Refueled Seahawk Drone at Sea

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The destroyer USS Chafee completed a successful at-sea refueling of a Seahawk unmanned surface vessel. This operation was designed to advance autonomous sustainment capabilities for the Navy's growing fleet of drone boats.

Why it matters

The Navy is developing these refueling methods because unmanned vessels cannot be serviced through traditional replenishment systems. Mastering this technology is essential for the planned deployment of over 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels in the Indo-Pacific.

The Seahawk is a 145-ton trimaran drone vessel, one of two built by Leidos for the Navy. This test follows a prior astern refueling exercise performed by the vessel with the USNS Guadalupe in April 2026.

The players

USS Chafee

This is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy.

Leidos

This is a technology, engineering, and science company that supports government and commercial operations.

USNS Guadalupe

This is a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler operated by the Military Sealift Command.

The details

The refueling used a hose stretched from the destroyer's amidship refueling stations to the vessel's flight deck, secured by ropes and protected by pads. Although personnel were onboard the Seahawk for this test, the procedure represents a critical step toward sustaining unmanned assets at sea for extended periods.

The Navy originally received the MDUSVs in 2021.
The NOMARS program demonstrated at-sea fueling off California in 2025.
The Seahawk performed an astern refueling test in April 2026.
The USS Chafee conducted the refueling test on September 11, 2026.

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Seasonal Patterns

This test follows the development trajectory established by the Navy's Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MDUSV) program. It marks a departure from traditional replenishment methods by demonstrating the capability to sustain drone vessels at sea.

This technological advancement aims to extend the operational range of autonomous naval assets in the Indo-Pacific. Future fleet sustainment will rely on these refueling protocols to maintain a persistent drone presence without needing to return to port.

The takeaway

The successful fueling of the Seahawk marks a shift in how the military manages autonomous assets over long distances. This capability reduces the logistical burden of maintaining unmanned vessels by mirroring the refueling procedures used for manned ships.