USS Chafee refuels Seahawk USV at sea, advancing drone sustainment

On Sept. 11, USS Chafee (DDG-90) conducted astern refueling of the Seahawk Medium Displacement USV in the Pacific, following an April test with USNS Guadalupe. This marks the first destroyer-to-USV refueling, expanding sustainment options for unmanned surface vessels in carrier strike group operations. The capability reduces reliance on oilers and supports distributed maritime operations.