About us
WHAT JANUS REPRESENTS
Janus Marine & Defense is named after Janus, the Roman god known for looking both forward and backward at the same time. Janus presided over transitions, doorways, and moments of change, exactly the space where modern uncrewed maritime systems live today.
Autonomy doesn’t replace maritime experience overnight. It builds on it. And too often, that transition is where programs struggle. New technology meets real-world operations, and things stop working the way the brochure promised.
That’s where we come in.
At Janus, we specialize in bridging what already works with what’s coming next.
We combine hard-earned maritime know-how with modern autonomy, sensors, and communications to help systems move from idea to operation, and stay operational long after launch day.
We exist to make the in-between work. Because the future doesn’t succeed unless it respects the past, and someone has to make sure both sides talk to each other.
OUR MISSION
The uncrewed surface vessel (USV) market is expanding faster than ever, with new platforms, payloads, and autonomy stacks entering service across commercial and defense sectors. Our mission is to make that growth usable.
Janus Marine & Defense exists to help end users move beyond one-off solutions by connecting real operational use cases with the right USV platforms, and ensuring those systems are properly integrated, operated, and sustained in the real world.
OUR VISION
We envision an uncrewed maritime industry where capability scales as reliably as innovation, where the right USV can be matched to the right mission, supported by the infrastructure, knowledge, and operational confidence needed to succeed over time.
Janus Marine & Defense aims to be the connective layer of that ecosystem, enabling manufacturers, operators, and end users to work together seamlessly as autonomy becomes a standard part of maritime operations, not an exception.
OUR VALUES
Integrity
We do the right thing, especially when it’s difficult or unseen. Our decisions, work, and relationships are grounded in accountability, ethics, and trust.
Transparency
We communicate clearly and early about risks, constraints, progress, and support needs. Honest communication prevents surprises and builds long-term partnerships.
Keep Learning
We don’t assume we have all the answers. Curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from experience drive how we grow, individually and as a team.
Solutions DRiven
Challenges are inevitable. We focus on practical, collaborative solutions and follow through with disciplined execution that stands up in real operations.
Resilience
Complex systems fail before they succeed. We anticipate risk, persist through setbacks, and methodically work to mitigate, adapt, and overcome.
Do The Work
We focus on showing up, solving problems, and delivering results, without drama or shortcuts.
OUR CREW
Jeff Miller
Director, Business Development
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Jeff is a seasoned leader in unmanned systems and maritime operations with over 21 years of U.S. Navy service and extensive experience driving defense transformation and government partnerships across the Middle East. A former Navy SEAL and Naval Aviator, he has advised regional militaries, led national maritime security initiatives, and managed Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs. Jeff holds advanced degrees in International Law and Diplomacy and Organizational Leadership, combining operational expertise with strategic acumen to build capability and innovation in coalition maritime operations.
Kenneth Rose
Program Manager, USV Systems
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Jack R. Dougherty
Founder / CEO
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Jack Dougherty is a proven leader in maritime technology and unmanned systems with over two decades of experience across defense, government, and commercial sectors. A U.S. Navy veteran and global authority in Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) operations, he has led complex programs integrating manned and unmanned capabilities throughout the United States, Middle East, and Africa. As Global Head of USVs at Unique Group and Principal at Janus Marine & Defense, Jack has led dual-track commercial and defense initiatives across the U.S. and international markets, overseeing global operations, testing, and field deployment of advanced autonomous systems. His leadership spans both sides of the maritime technology spectrum—from developing commercial USV programs that expand industrial capability to executing complex defense operations across the Middle East and Africa.
Michael Diehl
COO
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Michael Diehl brings deep operational expertise in Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operations and Integrated Logistical Support (ILS), with more than 15 years of experience in maritime operations and management. As a former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer and small unit craft expert, Michael has led complex maritime missions and developed specialized expertise in high-performance vessel operations. His background uniquely positions him to oversee Janus Defense’s operational strategy, ensuring mission readiness, logistical efficiency, and successful integration of advanced unmanned systems.