Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 56:09-57:21

Uncrewed escorts still add people to the task group

Removing crews from companion vessels can shift personnel and command-space requirements onto their controlling ship rather than eliminating them.

Command And ControlCrew RequirementsForce StructureUncrewed Systems
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Question

How many additional systems and people might a crewed ship need to manage uncrewed escorts?

Short answer

Control stations, watch rotations, illness coverage, and maintenance could add roughly fifty people when supporting two complex uncrewed vessels.

Notes

A complex uncrewed vessel may need a control team of about six people on watch. Continuous operation then requires relief crews and allowance for illness, injury, and maintenance work. Supporting two large uncrewed escorts could add close to fifty people to the crewed command ship. Their accommodation and workstations move manpower into the task group rather than removing it.