Objective

The objective of this project was to develop a comprehensive environmental intelligence service package for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to mitigate risks during amphibious beach landing operations. The initiative focused on leveraging autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology to gather critical environmental data, such as bathymetry, ocean currents, salinity, and temperature, enabling safer and more informed forward observation operations.

Role

• Collaboration: Partnered with key stakeholders, including Laconic Infrastructure Partners, Jaia Robotics, and USMC personnel, to design, execute, and demonstrate the environmental intelligence solution.

• Technical Deployment: Participated in field exercises at Camp Pendleton, deploying AUVs to collect data and coordinating with land teams to ensure seamless operations.

• Research & Development: Prepared all documentation, research, and projections to inform solution design and support contracting efforts.

• Proposal and Contracting: Contributed to proposal creation and ensured the project’s alignment with USMC objectives, resulting in a formal contract.

Approach and Methodology

1. Problem Identification:

   • Addressed the risk of AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) rollovers during beach landing operations caused by unpredictable surf and underwater conditions.

   • Focused on preventing incidents like the 2020 AAV training accident at Camp Pendleton, which resulted in the loss of 8 Marines and 1 sailor.

2. Solution Design and Collaboration:

   • Partnered with Jaia Robotics to integrate AUV technology for capturing and analyzing bathymetric data, ocean currents, salinity, and temperature.

   • Designed a battlefield management dashboard software accessible via tablet, providing real-time insights for commanders and operators to determine optimal entry routes.

3. Field Demonstration and Execution:

   • Conducted a live demonstration at Camp Pendleton, coordinating AUV deployment from boats and real-time data analysis with land teams.

   • Ensured seamless communication between field operators and technical teams for effective data capture and application.

4. Technology Integration:

   • Leveraged Laconic's SADAR™ Platform to ingest and analyze environmental data with high accuracy and reliability.

   • Integrated micro-AUVs and micro-buoy sensors to deliver persistent sensing capabilities and provide actionable insights into surf zone conditions.

5. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Coordinated closely with USMC’s Science and Technology efforts, securing validation and approval from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).

   • Aligned solutions with Force Design 2030 objectives to modernize USMC operations for near-peer conflicts.

Key Metrics and Impact

1. Data Insights:

   • Collected critical environmental metrics, including bathymetric mapping, current speeds, and salinity levels, enabling commanders to assess risks and choose optimal beach landing sites.

   • Delivered high-quality, real-time environmental data via tablet-based dashboards.

2. Operational Benefits:

   • Enhanced battlefield situational awareness through persistent sensing and advanced data analytics.

   • Reduced the risk of accidents and fatalities during amphibious operations, directly supporting mission success and troop safety.

3. Technology Adoption:

   • Introduced cutting-edge environmental intelligence tools, including the SADAR™ platform and micro-AUV technology, to replace outdated surf characterization methods.

4. Contract Achievement:

   • Secured a contract with the USMC, leveraging research and data-backed projections to demonstrate the solution’s value.

   • Enabled the USMC to align with modernization goals under Force Design 2030.

Outcome

• Developed and demonstrated an environmental intelligence service package that mitigates risks and enhances mission success for amphibious beach landings.

• Contributed to the formal adoption of advanced sensing technologies by the USMC, significantly modernizing their approach to environmental monitoring.

• Established a scalable solution that aligns with the USMC's strategic objectives, ensuring long-term operational and environmental benefits.

Key Takeaways

1. Innovation in Safety: Demonstrated how environmental intelligence and AUV technology could directly address operational risks, reducing fatalities and enhancing mission outcomes.

2. Collaboration and Execution: Highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration with robotics experts, data analysts, and military stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions.

3. Strategic Impact: Positioned Laconic's SADAR™ platform and environmental intelligence capabilities as critical assets for the USMC's modernization efforts under Force Design 2030.

4. Scalable Solutions: Established a model for integrating advanced environmental sensing technologies into broader military and government applications.

Summary and Reflection

The USMC Environmental Intelligence project was a transformative experience, showcasing the intersection of technology, environmental science, and military strategy. Deploying cutting-edge tools like AUVs and the SADAR™ platform to address life-and-death challenges reinforced my understanding of the profound impact technology can have on operational safety and success. This project not only underscored the importance of collaborative problem-solving but also demonstrated the potential for innovation to redefine traditional methodologies in high-stakes environments. The insights gained from this endeavor will continue to inform my approach to complex, multidisciplinary challenges.