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Michigan to Host Uncrewed Triple Challenge on May 20 Across Sea, Air and Land

May 19, 2025

LANSING, Mich. — The Uncrewed Triple Challenge (UTC), a state-sponsored first-of-its-kind competition across sea, air and land that is driving innovation in autonomous drone technology, will hold an opening ceremony for the competition at 9 a.m. on May 20 at the Alpena Harbor Bay View Park Bandshell in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay. The ceremony will include remarks by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Bradley C. Wieferich and Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson, a performance by the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard, food trucks, science and technology displays and a viewing area to watch the competition unfold. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. The air and land segment of the competition will conclude between 12:30-4:00 p.m. at the Parade Field Finish Line at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center (CGJMTC) located at 4 Howe Rd., Grayling, MI 49738. Members of the community can walk the Parade Field while listening to music provided by local station Q100 and engage with military displays and vendors as they watch the drones reach the finish line. Parade Field activities will conclude at 5:30 p.m. The competition is open to the public and free to attend.

WHO: Governor Gretchen Whitmer; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers; MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich; and Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson
WHAT: Opening ceremony for the Uncrewed Triple Challenge drone competition; competition concludes at CGJMTC
WHEN: May 20 from 9-10:30 a.m. in Alpena; 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Camp Grayling
WHERE: Alpena Harbor Bay View Park Bandshell, 208 N First Ave., Alpena, MI 49707; CGJMTC, 4 Howe Rd., Grayling, MI 49738

Media are invited to attend. To RSVP, please contact Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or krollm2@michigan.gov prior to 8 a.m. on May 20 to gain access to the event.

The UTC is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. To learn more, visit Uncrewed Triple Challenge.

Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Press Release MI Newswire Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

Media Contact:

Michael Kroll

Deputy Public Information Officer

krollm2@michigan.gov

517-285-9734

Author:

Michael Kroll

Deputy Public Information Officer

krollm2@michigan.gov

517-285-9734

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