U.S. Navy’s Destroyer becomes the first AI-enhanced battleship in the Naval fleet

The U.S. Navy’s Destroyer has become the first warship to be equipped with an artificial intelligence system in a fleet modernization move.

According to a 30 January X post by The War Zone, the destroyer USS Fitzgerald was armed with  the AI-enabled monitoring system to help the crew spot maintenance needs before they become major problems.

The role of AI-driven system in predictive maintenance

The AI-driven system, Enterprise Remote Monitoring Version 4 (ERM v4), is part of the Pentagon’s Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) initiative.

Developed by Austin-based Company Fathom5, ERM v4 uses machine learning to analyze real-time data from the ship’s hull, mechanical, and electrical systems.

By evaluating nearly 10,000 sensor readings every second, the system generates predictive maintenance recommendations that blend seamlessly with the ship’s maintenance planning infrastructure.

Previously, Navy vessels relied on scheduled maintenance and manual system checks, often resulting in unexpected equipment failures.

ERM v4 boosts the efficiency of maintenance procedures by identifying components at risk of failure well in advance.

In a recent example, the system detected an imminent failure of a critical part, enabling the crew to order a replacement early enough and avoid possible operational downtime.

Zac Staples, a retired Navy officer and CEO of Fathom5 said that the AI system helps ensure a large battle fleet is always ready to defend national interests.

He stated that transitioning to AI-based maintenance is comparable to modern car maintenance, where sensors and algorithms replace fixed service intervals.

Besides predictive maintenance, ERM v4 is transforming how sailors collect and report system data. Most shipboard systems still need manual readings, but the new system unveils digital logkeeping via smartphone-like devices, boosting data accuracy and efficiency.

The Navy wants to expand ERM v4 deployment, with four more ships scheduled to receive the system in 2025 and a general rollout expected by 2026. 

Future applications might extend beyond ship engineering to combat systems, further blending AI into naval operations.

AI and the future of fleet management

With ERM v4’s quarterly updates and machine learning-driven enhancements, the Navy is positioning itself at the front of AI-powered fleet management, guaranteeing warships operate efficiently and optimally with minimal disruptions.

With AI enhancing fleet readiness and predictive maintenance, the Navy is securing the operational efficiency of today’s vessels and setting the stage for the next generation of smarter, more resilient warships.