Gradient Dissent: Conversations on AI AI, autonomy, and the future of naval warfare with Captain Jon Haase, United States Navy
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Mar 25, 2025 Captain Jon Haase, a Program Manager for the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Division, dives into the cutting-edge role of AI in naval warfare. He discusses the innovative use of autonomous underwater vehicles in mine detection and the pressing ethical issues surrounding AI in military contexts. The conversation also highlights the evolving collaboration between Silicon Valley and the military, the balancing act between in-house research and external partnerships, and the significance of human decision-making in shaping the future of warfare.
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Historical Mine Warfare Impact
- Mines have disrupted naval operations since the Civil War, like in the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay.
- Admiral Farragut's famous order, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," originated from this mine-laden battle.
Strategic Mine Deployment
- Mine deployment is strategically driven, focusing on specific areas of interest rather than the entire ocean.
- Factors like geography, known threats, and ship transit routes inform mine-clearing operations.
Ethics of AI in Warfare
- Autonomous mine detection is purely defensive, offering ethical clarity compared to offensive AI applications.
- Haase emphasizes the importance of human oversight, especially concerning lethal actions in warfare.