A crewed ship could provide command, verification, and maintenance while uncrewed vessels fill out task groups. One notional support system uses a dock-equipped or adapted Bay-class ship to receive a trawler-sized uncrewed vessel and reload missile containers under cover. The concept is technically plausible with current technology, though it would reload more slowly than conventional rearming ashore. Containerized missile loads and a sheltered crane would reduce the wind and ship-motion problems that prevent conventional vertical-launch cells from being rearmed at sea.
Notable Point · 15:16-18:20
Uncrewed escorts could change convoy warfare and rearming
A future convoy force might pair crewed command ships with smaller uncrewed escorts designed for support and rearming at sea.