Congressman Courtney's Visit to ThayerMahan: A Dive into Undersea Surveillance Innovations

Congressman Joe Courtney Explores ThayerMahan's Innovations in Undersea Surveillance

On January 17, 2025, Congressman Joe Courtney, the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, visited ThayerMahan's Groton, Connecticut, facility. This visit aimed to explore advancements in undersea surveillance and security technologies, which are increasingly vital in today’s volatile geopolitical environment. Courtney engaged with CEO Mike Connor and his executive team to discuss innovative solutions that ThayerMahan is developing to bolster U.S. naval capabilities.

In his remarks, Rep. Courtney emphasized the dramatic changes in global security over the past decade. He noted that these changes have put unprecedented pressure on the United States' submarine force, making it imperative to upgrade surveillance operations. "Innovative technology like ThayerMahan's Outpost system allows our submariners to focus on other critical missions while enhancing the Navy's capacity to secure maritime interests," he stated.

Challenges Facing Submarine Production

Despite allocated funding for new submarine constructions, Courtney highlighted substantial challenges due to supply chain disruptions. These delays could severely impact the U.S. Navy's efforts to enlarge its SSN fleet in the forthcoming decade. Additionally, the lack of available surveillance assets poses a significant gap, hampering operational effectiveness in theater.

The discussion also touched on rising threats from aggressive maritime forces, particularly Russian and Chinese naval movements. These factors underscore the pressing need for advanced surveillance systems that can enhance the effectiveness of existing defense agreements, particularly AUKUS’s Pillar II, which aims to strengthen trilateral security cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the U.S.

ThayerMahan's Innovative Solutions

The centerpiece of ThayerMahan’s advanced capabilities is the Outpost acoustic surveillance system, which is carried on the Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel created in collaboration with Australia’s Ocius Technology Limited. This system integrates cutting-edge surveillance technology with robust vessel design, delivering real-time monitoring capabilities to tactical command centers.

Mike Connor, President and CEO of ThayerMahan and a retired U.S. Navy Commander, expressed pride in the collaborative achievements between the company and leading Australian manufacturers. He remarked, "The integration of our Outpost system onto the Ocius vessel provides a revolutionary solution that meets the Navy’s requirements for deep-water surveillance at a fraction of the cost associated with traditional methods."

Future Growth and Employment Opportunities

Congressman Courtney and ThayerMahan's CEO discussed the company's ambitious plans for future growth, particularly in the context of rising undersea threats, including risks to vital international undersea cables. This growing focus aligns with the company's capabilities and market position.

ThayerMahan's Outpost system stands out as an autonomous, mobile platform specifically designed for persistent deep-water surveillance. Local production efforts in southeastern Connecticut have started to attract a skilled workforce eager to contribute to this vital sector. The company has committed to increasing its manufacturing capacity, aiming to create over fifty new skilled jobs in the year ahead while striving to produce a minimum of 100 unmanned systems ready for deployment within two years.

Conclusion

ThayerMahan, a pioneer in maritime technology, continues to shape the future of undersea operations with its innovative, autonomous surveillance solutions. As threats from global adversaries mount, investments in such technologies not only promise to enhance national security but also stimulate economic growth in local manufacturing sectors. This visit by Congressman Courtney underscores the government’s recognition and support of the critical role that companies like ThayerMahan play in maritime defense and surveillance.