Navy Removes Drone Program Head After Eight Months Amid Legal Challenges

The U.S. Navy has removed Rebecca J. Gassler from her position as the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotic and Autonomous Systems just eight months after she was appointed to the role in December 2025. The decision, announced this week by a Navy press release, comes amid ongoing legal challenges related to the medium unmanned surface vehicle program.

In addition to Gassler's removal, the Navy has established a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS) position aimed at addressing years of fragmented requirements, resourcing issues, and inefficient acquisition practices. These changes are intended to streamline accountability and improve industry engagement, ultimately delivering capabilities more quickly to naval forces.

Christopher Miller was selected as the acting DRPM RAS and will also take over Gassler’s previous role as Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotic and Autonomous Systems. He will report directly to William Toti, who is currently performing the duties of the under secretary of the Navy.

"We are at a critical juncture in naval warfare," said William Toti. "The Department has been hampered by outdated processes that fail to deliver necessary capabilities swiftly enough for our Sailors and Marines. Secretary Cao has mandated reforms to ensure clear accountability, expedite decision-making, and prioritize the needs of frontline personnel."

Gassler's departure follows a federal lawsuit filed against the Navy in July 2026 by two defense technology companies, Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone, which were excluded from the Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) acquisition program. The companies allege that the Navy violated its own requirements and regulations during the selection process.

Blue Water Autonomy specifically called the Navy's decision to exclude it from the MUSV request for prototype proposals "capricious" and not in compliance with statutory or regulatory guidelines. This legal challenge highlights broader issues within the Navy’s acquisition framework, which have led to delays and inefficiencies in implementing new technologies.

Gassler was appointed as the first Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotic and Autonomous Systems last December when the Navy sought to streamline its procurement processes to accelerate the purchase of drones and unmanned autonomous vehicles. Concurrently, she served as Deputy Director for Project Overmatch, a role that involved working across various naval services and with international partners on developing strategic operational architectures.

The recent changes reflect the Navy's commitment to modernizing its approach to robotics and autonomy in response to evolving threats and technological advancements. By establishing the new DRPM RAS position, the service aims to centralize oversight and improve coordination among different stakeholders involved in robotic and autonomous system development.

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by military organizations as they navigate complex legal landscapes while striving to integrate advanced technologies rapidly into operational units. The Navy's response indicates a willingness to adapt its internal structures and processes to better serve strategic objectives and meet the needs of warfighters in an increasingly competitive global environment.