Today, Pete Buttigieg was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and AUVSI extends our warmest congratulations as Mayor Pete becomes Secretary Buttigieg.

The unmanned systems industry is one that prizes innovation and holds safety as our number one priority. We are encouraged to see a similar mentality in our newest Transportation Secretary, as Buttigieg has been known to embody those values throughout his time as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. In fact, the City is a member of AUVSI and joined our ranks under Mayor Pete’s leadership in 2018. That is not surprising to anyone who knows the 39-year-old former Navy intelligence officer – he has been on the record touting the benefits of autonomous systems in a variety of contexts.

In 2017, a South Bend team applied to the National Science Foundation Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) program with the intent of using awarded funds to increase network control of drones. “What we’re at the cusp of here is the next chapter in wireless and we believe we can position South Bend as a testbed for piloting some of the most compelling wireless technology that’s going to be brought forward,” said then-Mayor Buttigieg. AUVSI heartily agrees that cities like South Bend have a critical role to play in rolling out wireless technologies to enable autonomous systems including drones and vehicles, and we stand ready to support future DOT initiatives with that goal in mind.

A year later, unmanned systems garnered a mention in Buttigieg’s annual State of the City speech when he mentioned his leadership in establishing a Task Force on Automation within the U.S. Conference of Mayors – a group which still exists today. “Automation technology has the potential to bring both enormous disruption and great benefit to our society, and that certainly includes South Bend.” AUVSI would argue that with thoughtful leadership, any disruption wrought can be counteracted by ensuring the benefits of autonomous systems are equally shared.

Finally, under Buttigieg’s leadership the City of South Bend created a first-of-its-kind Department of Innovation and Technology, which continues to have numerous economic, workforce, and efficiency benefits enjoyed by South Bend residents. A city official said the following of then-Mayor Pete: “It is important for innovation to be authentically embraced by the elected official, and they know it is, with Pete…It’s not a buzzword; it’s part of his operating ethos.” 

The passion for innovation Secretary Buttigieg is expected to bring to the DOT is very exciting for the unmanned systems industry, and AUVSI looks forward to partnering with the Secretary and his staff on autonomous technology policy. Tools such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and unmanned maritime vessels are continually demonstrating their use, especially as we work through a global pandemic. The industry will continue to advance technology adoption and public acceptance of unmanned systems, and AUVSI looks to the U.S. DOT to partner in those efforts. 

As Secretary Buttigieg settles into his role and establishes a staff, we encourage him to focus on the promise of unmanned systems, and welcome a relationship now and moving forward. Congratulations on your confirmation, Sir – the transportation sector is excited you are here.