Navy Installs Augmented Reality Maintenance Systems on Five Warships (ARMS)
Navy Installs Augmented Reality Maintenance Systems on Five Warships (ARMS)
The U.S. Navy has equipped five warships with the Augmented Reality Maintenance System (ARMS), an upgrade that reduces the need for costly and time-intensive technician visits. Developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD), ARMS enables sailors to troubleshoot and repair complex systems with real-time guidance from remote subject matter experts (SMEs).
Between March 22 and 26, 2025, a team led by NSWC PHD electronics engineer Matthew Cole and computer scientist Nick Bernstein installed ARMS on USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The installations, completed at Naval Base San Diego with support from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), took less than a day per ship.
Facilitating Sailor-Driven Repairs
ARMS provides sailors with lightweight augmented reality headsets that share their perspective with SMEs at warfare centers, Regional Maintenance Centers, or other shore-based facilities. The system displays technical manuals, maintenance requirement cards, schematics, and 3D models, allowing experts to guide sailors through repairs. This capability shortens repair times and sustains operational readiness.
“Sailors are by trade operators and maintainers of their warships,” said Capt. Tony Holmes, NSWC PHD’s commanding officer. “If outside help is required to resolve an issue, and that issue can be resolved by over-the-shoulder assistance via ARMS, that is a good thing.”
Holmes emphasized the value of sailor-led repairs. “The biggest win in this case is that the sailor fixed the problem, not the external SME,” he said. “ARMS capability goes to the heart of enabling sailor self-sufficiency, and keeping our warships in the fight.”
A Key Milestone for ARMS
The March installations mark a milestone for ARMS, a program that began in fiscal year 2022. “These are the first operational, useable ARMS installs,” said Bernstein, the project’s engineering lead. Unlike earlier short technical demonstrations on three unnamed ships, which tested the same NAVAIR-developed software, these deployments equipped one aircraft carrier and four destroyers with the latest hardware and software for active use.
ARMS reduces the need for technician visits by enabling remote diagnostics. “Now, we can send the right expert with the right tools out to the ship, thereby saving time and money,” Cole said.
Efficient Installation Process
The installations occurred during a transition between two Interim Authority to Test (IATT) phases, a Navy process to evaluate new systems. The initial IATT, originally planned for seven months, was shortened to one month at the request of NAVWAR Commander Rear Adm. Seiko Okano to ensure ARMS was operational before the ships deployed. With the five vessels docked simultaneously in San Diego, the team, including NSWC PHD and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific personnel, installed each system and trained sailors in under 24 hours per ship.
The current IATT phase will monitor ARMS usage and gather feedback to inform future upgrades and operational approvals.
Adapting to Hardware Changes
During the first IATT, ARMS used a commercial augmented reality headset for remote collaboration. After its discontinuation in October 2024, the team switched to AR smart glasses to maintain hands-free functionality. NSWC PHD’s Engineering Development Lab is also developing a 3D-printed headset, Cole said.
Bernstein, involved since the program’s inception, highlighted its progress. “It’s incredibly rewarding seeing this project transition to the fleet and stand on its own to support sailors and SMEs,” he said.
Improving Naval Operations
The installation of ARMS on these five ships reflects the Navy’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency through technology. By enabling sailors to resolve issues with remote expert support, ARMS accelerates repairs and reduces costs by minimizing the need for external technician travel. As of May 14, 2025, the announcement of this deployment recorded 248 web views and one download on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
ARMS continues to undergo evaluation as part of the Navy’s system testing process to determine future operational readiness.
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