Unclear on unmanned: The US Navy’s plans for robot ships are on the rocks David Larter keyboard_arrow_down One of the two prototypes purchased by the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Strategic Capabilities Office for its Ghost Fleet Overlord program, aimed at fielding an autonomous surface ship capable of launching missiles. (U.S. Defense Department) This is the first of a three-part series on the Navy’s struggles to develop unmanned ships and systems. WASHINGTON – After a bruising, year-long fight with Congress, part of the Navy’s plan to field unmanned ships appears to be on life support, making 2021 a crucial year for plotting a path forward.