US Navy Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) 38, 49, 71, and 75 have conducted joint exercises with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV at IBP-23. According to the company’s statement, US Navy completed the training off the coast of San Diego, California, on April 24-25, 2023.
The exercise focused on MUM-T to conduct Cooperative ASW in the Southern California Offshore ASW range. MH-60s dropped sonobuoys to locate a mobile training target during the two-day event. The target was correlated and located using the combined SeaGuardian and MH-60R teaming concept and tactical reports - known as TACREPs. The information was delivered to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 34 Theatre ASW Centre at Naval Station Pearl Harbour via the MQ-9B crew. The CTF then supervised a coordinated constructive “kill” of the simulated submarine using simulated torpedoes dropped by the MH-60s. The SeaGuardian’s ASW payload employs the most recent version of General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Sonobuoy Processor.
US Coast Guard conducts similar MUM-T cooperation near the Strait of Hormoz.
