HiWarsBETA

U.S. Navy Evaluates SeaGuardian UAS at Whidbey Island

Source: EDR Magazine
Loading...Strong SignalCredibility: 100%
Report Content


San Diego – 30 September 2026 – The U.S. Navy (USN) recently evaluated the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) Commander’s Operational Group (COG) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Oak Harbor, Washington. SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operated by the USN as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI supporting an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.


The COG brings together MPRF senior leaders, tacticians, and industry partners to discuss cutting-edge naval aviation capabilities and review Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operational Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) currently employed throughout the Fleet. At the request of the Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, GA-ASI provided its MQ-9B SeaGuardian to give attendees an up-close look at a maritime-optimized Group 5 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) currently being employed by the USN and several foreign partners. SeaGuardian was also part of the 2025 Whidbey Island Open House.


“We’re always thrilled to have our Navy customer showcase our SeaGuardian at these Navy Tactical Symposiums,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve. “Whidbey Island is a great place to display SeaGuardian alongside the P-8A Poseidon for MPRF professionals to help illustrate that this future focused capability is here now and ready for employment.”


The U.S. Navy has been evaluating the MQ-9B SeaGuardian as a potential MPRF “force multiplier” for a multitude of missions, Whidbey Island has been a base for MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s mission capabilities as part of various Navy exercises, including Northern Edge and Integrated Battle Problem, and has supported the aircraft carrier pre-deployment workups.


Photo courtesy Ga ASI


Content preview only. Full article available at source. View Full Article

Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / ISR Activity
Subcategory
Drone/UAV
SALUTE Report
Size
1 MQ-9B SeaGuardian
Activity
Evaluation of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS
Location
Whidbey Island · Washington · United States
Unit
U.S. Navy
Time
30 September 2026
Equipment
MQ-9B SeaGuardian
Summary

The U.S. Navy evaluated the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS at Whidbey Island on 30 September 2026. This evaluation was part of a capability assessment for the 7th Fleet, showcasing the drone's potential as a force multiplier for various missions. The event included discussions on operational tactics and procedures for Anti-Submarine Warfare.

Key Facts
  • U.S. Navy evaluated the MQ-9B SeaGuardian at Whidbey Island.
  • The evaluation was part of an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.
  • GA-ASI provided the SeaGuardian for demonstration purposes.
  • The event included discussions on Anti-Submarine Warfare operational TTPs.
  • Whidbey Island has hosted various Navy exercises involving the SeaGuardian.

Related Entities

PreviousWhite House names nominees for SPACECOM, Navy No. 2
NextRussia Worked Out That Ammunition Stored in the Fighting Compartment Was Blowing Its Tanks Apart, So the T-90M Got a Bustle Magazine With Blowout Panels. It Kept the Carousel Under the Crew Anyway. Oryx Has Now Documented 159 T-90M Losses — More Than Russia Had When the War Began.