The final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Pierre (LCS 38), has successfully completed its builder’s sea trials at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel recently floated out in early August 2024 and has now undergone full systems verification, including propulsion, navigation, and combat modules—allowing it to advance to acceptance trials with the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.
As the 19th and last Independence-variant LCS, Pierre caps off the U.S. Navy’s trimaran-hulled series built by Austal USA. The program leaves the fleet with 19 commissioned Independence-class ships alongside 16 Freedom-class vessels, totaling 35 LCSs deployed or underway.
Independence-class ships are designed for high-speed, shallow-draught operations geared toward surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine missions. They feature modular “mission packages,” a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned systems, and water-jet propulsion—allowing rapid reconfiguration across mission sets.
With Pierre now completing its trials, the Navy approaches final certification and delivery, which will see the vessel join the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. Its upcoming deployment will support regional missions and enhance maritime security in the Indo‑Pacific
