On 5 August 2024 Austal USA, based in Mobile, Alabama, successfully launched the future USS Pierre (LCS 38): the last Independence-class variant of the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.

This was the 23rd LCS launched at Austal USA, which uses a unique multi-step launch process: the ship is first rolled out from its assembly bay to a moored deck barge, then transferred from the barge to a floating dry dock, which is then submerged, allowing the ship to float out of the dry dock and be returned alongside at the yard.

“Meeting this ship milestone in such a safe and timely manner demonstrates how well our Austal USA launch team, transporter operators and tug pilots have learned to work together over the last 13 years, seamlessly executing this technical launch process,” Austal USA Vice President of New Construction Dave Growden was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our industry teams work methodically alongside our navy partners to improve this innovative process with each launch evolution, guaranteeing the navy a quality product delivered on time and on budget.”

Pierre, christened in May, is the 19th and final Independence-variant LCS to be produced for the US Navy and will be deployed to the Pacific fleet area of responsibility to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

The US Navy currently has 17 Independence-variant LCSs in service or on order along with 13 Freedom-variant LCSs, which are produced at Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation’s shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Thus far, five Freedom-variant LCSs have already been decommissioned, with the type having suffered serviceability issues. Two Independence-variant vessels (LCS 2 and LCS 4) have also been decommissioned, while the US Navy has also requested two more (LCS 6 and LCS 8) to be taken out of service in FY 2024, with both ships designated for Foreign Military Sales.

The rollout and launch on 5 August 2024 of LCS 38, which will be the last Independence-class variant of the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship programme. (Photo: Austal USA)