U.S. Navy’s Final Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship Launched By Austal USA

Austal USA, the American shipbuilder, has successfully launched the future USS Pierre (LCS 38), completing the US Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program.

USS Pierre, the 23rd ship to be launched at Austal USA using cutting-edge, multi-step method, marks the end of a series of 19 Independence-variant LCS vessels.

Following the launch, the Austal USA’s test and activation team will prepare the vessel for sea trials later this year.

The USS Pierre, christened in May, will join the US Navy’s Pacific fleet and contribute to deterrence, forward presence, maritime security and sea control.

Pierre, the last ship in the Independence-variant LCS program, is ready to enhance naval operations in the Pacific. It is the second US Navy ship to be launched at Austal USA this year.

Dave Growden, Vice President of New Construction at Austal USA, praised the launch team for their excellence and successful execution of the technical launch process.

Video Credits: Austal USA/YouTube

According to Growden, the industry teams collaborate systematically with Naval partners to boost the process with each launch, ensuring that the Navy gets a quality product on time and within its budget.

The Littoral combat ship class is divided into two variants, i.e., Freedom and Independence. Austal USA designed and built the Independence variant.

The launch process involves rolling the ship onto a moored deck barge, transferring it to a submerged floating dry dock, and finally mooring it pier-side for engine light off and trials.

In related news, Austal Limited has announced a contract modification for Austal USA to build two more Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700 class vessels for the US Navy.

The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy is a high-speed, multi-mission combatant capable of operating in both open and littoral environments. Its sophisticated design provides improved seakeeping and performance, dealing with rising coastal challenges while also ensuring access and dominance in coastal waters.

The Independence-variant LCS provides extensive combat capability by combining fundamental self-defense systems, modular mission packages, and an open-architecture command and control system. Its aviation facilities and watercraft launch and recovery systems are designed to accommodate a wide range of mission packages, including human and unmanned air, surface, and subsurface vehicles.

A mission bay and three weapons modules enable the integration of mission package weapons, sensors, and vehicles with the sea frame.

This modular design increases the LCS’s flexibility, allowing commanders to adapt to evolving warfare requirements while also enabling faster, easier technological advances.

Reference: Austal USA