US Navy’s Final Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship Launched

Austal USA 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 using cutting-edge, multi-step method, marks the end of a series of 19 Independence-variant LCS vessels.

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 the second US Navy ship to be launched at Austal USA this year.

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

The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a high-speed, multi-mission combatant capable of operating in both open and littoral environments.