Success at Sea: NIWC Atlantic Uncrewed Surface Vessel Completes Fastest Transatlantic Crossing

Scientists with Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic's Unmanned Naval Innovation Team (UNIT) reached a historic milestone on Sept. 9, 2025 when they recovered a U.S. Navy-sponsored Lightfish uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in Troia, Portugal, following its harrowing - and completely solo - transatlantic crossing. This fully autonomous vessel accomplished the journey in just over two months, nearly 12 days faster than the last known previous attempt of its kind.

UNIT engineers launched the Lightfish, a solar-powered, low-profile USV designed for long-endurance missions, on a blazing summer day from a community boat ramp in Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, at the end of June. After performing numerous systems checks and taking a moment to christen the vessel, the team's lead scientist and program manager Michael Grass waded into waist-deep sea water to send the unmanned vehicle off on its long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.