San Diego – 30 September 2026 – 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.
“We’re always thrilled to have our Navy customer showcase our SeaGuardian at these Navy Tactical Symposiums,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve. “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.
Photo courtesy Ga ASI
