The U.S. Navy announced it has completed acceptance trials for the final Independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Pierre (LCS 38), at Austal USA, Mobile, Ala.
The trials, performed the week of June 9, involved comprehensive testing of the ship’s major systems and equipment to demonstrate their successful operation and mission readiness, marking the final significant milestone before delivery. The trials achieved the highest measured quality in 15 years, according to the Navy.
“As we step back and take stock of this milestone it is important that we recognize LCS 38 as what it is, an embodiment of naval ingenuity, adaptability, and of determination to deliver on our commitments,” said Jonas Brown, deputy program manager of the LCS Program Office (PMS 501). “This is the close of an important chapter in United States shipbuilding history, and we must also remember that the story of LCS is still being written by our Sailors. We are eager to deliver this powerful warship, where it will undoubtedly serve effectively in the fleet.”
Following the ship’s commissioning later this fall, the 418'x104' Pierre will be homeported in San Diego-Diego to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
Pierre (LCS 38) is the 19th Independence-variant LCS and the third ship named in honor of Pierre, S.D. It is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. The first was USS Pierre (PC-1141), a submarine chaser commissioned in 1943, renamed in 1946, and decommissioned in 1958. Another earlier namesake, the SS Pierre Victory, was a Victory-class cargo ship that shot down a kamikaze near Okinawa during World War II.
“The Independence-variant LCS is a testament to innovation, agility, and combat power,” said Melissa Kirkendall, acting Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants. “Its cutting-edge design and versatility make it a force multiplier, ready to meet the challenges of modern naval warfare. Pierre is not just the final LCS in its class–it’s a symbol of our Navy’s strength, lethality, and commitment to global security.”
The Navy describes the LCS as a fast, agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments and counter 21st-century threats. These small surface combatants are equipped to address challenges in littoral regions and can operate independently or as part of a networked battle force alongside larger ships like cruisers and destroyers.
The LCS class includes two variants: the monohull Freedom variant, built by a team led by Lockheed Martin at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis., (odd-numbered ships), and the trimaran-hulled Independence variant, built by Austal USA (even-numbered ships).
“The completion of LCS 38 sea trials marks the achievement of an important milestone at Austal USA, the last LCS to go out to sea under our control,” said Harley Combs, Austal USA vice president of surface ship programs.
In addition to Pierre, Austal USA is constructing seven more Navy and Coast Guard ships, as well as modules for both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs and aircraft elevators for the Ford-class aircraft carrier fleet.
