Austal USA launches final Littoral Combat Ship future USS Pierre LCS 38.

According to a PR published by Austal USA on August 5, 2024, the firm has successfully launched the future USS Pierre (LCS 38), marking the completion of the Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program.
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Launching ceremony of the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre. (Picture source: Austal USA)

This milestone signifies the 23rd LCS launched by Austal USA, employing their modern, multi-step launch method. This technique involves rolling the ship onto a moored deck barge, transferring it to a floating dry dock, submerging the dock to float the ship, and then mooring it pier side for final preparations.

The next phase for the future USS Pierre involves extensive testing and activation over the coming months, leading to sea trials later this year. The USS Pierre, christened in May, is the Navy’s 19th and final Independence-variant LCS. It will join the Pacific fleet, contributing to forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. 

About the Independence variant LCSs

The Independence variant features a trimaran hull, which enhances stability and seakeeping capabilities. This design reduces hydrodynamic resistance, allowing higher speeds and improved fuel efficiency. Constructed primarily from aluminum, these ships are lightweight, contributing to their high-speed capabilities. Propulsion is provided by a combination of gas turbines and diesel engines, driving waterjets that enable speeds exceeding 40 knots.

A significant innovation of the Independence variant is its modular design, allowing rapid reconfiguration with mission packages tailored to specific operational needs.

These packages address surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. For surface warfare, the ships are equipped with various weapons systems, including 30mm guns and surface-to-surface missiles, as well as embarked aircraft.

Mine countermeasures capabilities include unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, along with specialized sonar and detection equipment. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities feature advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and support for helicopters to detect and neutralize submarine threats.

The flight deck is the largest of any U.S. Navy surface combatant, capable of accommodating two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.