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.
GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve, commented, “We’re always thrilled to have our Navy customer showcase our SeaGuardian at these Navy Tactical Symposiums. 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.
