Army Deploys AI and Autonomous Boats to Enhance Pacific Logistics

The U.S. Army’s 8th Theater Sustainment Command is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous watercraft into its supply chain management in the Pacific region. Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, the unit's commander, highlighted the use of commercial partnerships to optimize warehouse management and delivery timing across vast distances from the continental United States to forward positions like South Korea and Japan. AI technology is being utilized to analyze demand trends over time and space, enabling more efficient stock placement without overstocking resources.

The command has also begun deploying autonomous watercraft for logistics purposes in the Pacific. These vessels are capable of transporting up to eight 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and can operate in shallow waters, making them ideal for various coastal operations. Gardner emphasized the importance of developing regulations that accommodate unmanned systems entering ports without a minimum crew size, currently mandated by maritime laws. This would allow for faster reception and delivery of supplies via autonomous watercraft.

Gardner envisions expanding the fleet to include between 30 and 100 medium-sized autonomous vessels stationed across key locations in the Indo-Pacific theater, from South Korea to Thailand. These boats will help meet the high demand for watercraft time needed to deliver equipment and supplies efficiently throughout the region. The command is currently testing a Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), which is nearly four times faster than its Vietnam-era predecessor and can transport up to two HIMARS missile systems onto beaches rapidly, enhancing tactical flexibility in combat scenarios.