Optionally crewed ships and uncrewed support tiers

Might the US Navy abandon fully uncrewed vessels in favor of extremely small or optional crews?

Optionally crewed ships are plausible, but the likely force will mix small deployable drones with 2,000- to 3,000-ton uncrewed companions and mothership support.

Optionally crewed ships remain one possible answer. A further forecast distinguishes small vehicles carried aboard another ship from larger uncrewed companions. An LPD-like dock could receive smaller craft for re-equipment and rearming at sea. Larger companions of about 2,000 to 3,000 tons are envisaged staying alongside their crewed partner. Exhausting their weapons would still leave a return-to-base problem.