USS Pierre (LCS 38) Commissioned by U.S. Navy, Achieves Highest Quality Score in Littoral Combat Ship Program History

The delivery of the USS Pierre (LCS 38) to the U.S. Navy in July 2025 marked the formal conclusion of the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, a two-decade endeavor that began in the early 2000s. As the 19th and final vessel of its class, Pierre represents both the culmination of a complex shipbuilding initiative and a transitional moment in the Navy’s approach to littoral warfare capabilities.

USS Pierre (LCS 38). Austal USA

USS Pierre is an Independence-class LCS, characterized by its aluminum trimaran hull designed for high-speed operations in near-shore environments. The ship measures 127.4 meters in length, with a beam of 31.6 meters and a draft of 4.27 meters. It displaces approximately 3,104 metric tons when fully loaded and is powered by a hybrid propulsion system consisting of two gas turbines, two diesel engines, four waterjets, a retractable azimuth thruster, and four diesel generators. This configuration enables sprint speeds of up to 47 knots and a cruising range of 4,300 nautical miles at 20 knots.

Pierre’s core crew consists of 40 personnel, with accommodations for up to 35 additional mission-specific personnel. The ship is equipped with a Sea Giraffe 3D radar, Bridgemaster-E navigational radar, AN/KAX-2 electro-optical/infrared sensors, and the EDO ES-3601 electronic support system. Defensive systems include four SRBOC chaff launchers and an 11-cell SeaRAM missile launcher. Offensive armament comprises a Mk 110 57 mm gun and four .50 caliber machine guns. The flight deck and hangar support two MH-60R/S Seahawks, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Pierre’s acceptance trials in June 2025 yielded the highest measured quality score of any LCS vessel in the past 15 years, reflecting improvements in construction standards and system integration over the life of the program. However, the Independence-class LCS program has faced persistent challenges. Structural issues, including hull cracking in at least six vessels, have been documented. These defects were linked to design vulnerabilities under high-speed operations in rough seas. Transmission system failures also plagued the class, resulting in speed limitations and reduced mission capability.

The modular mission package concept, initially promoted as rapidly interchangeable, proved impractical in operational settings. Reconfiguration often required weeks rather than hours, leading to a shift toward fixed-role deployments. Early hulls lacked bridge wings and suffered from corrosion and anchoring system deficiencies, necessitating retrofits and upgrades. Maintenance demands and crew training complexities further strained operational readiness. These factors contributed to the early decommissioning of several ships and a reevaluation of the LCS’s strategic utility.

Despite these setbacks, the USS Pierre enters service at a time when the Navy is refining its use of LCS platforms. Recent deployments of Independence-class ships with mine countermeasure packages and unmanned systems suggest a pivot toward specialized roles. Pierre is expected to be homeported in San Diego, California, where it will support forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence operations in the Pacific theater.

The conclusion of the Independence-class construction phase allows the Navy and its industrial partners to redirect resources toward next-generation platforms, such as the Constellation-class frigates. These vessels are designed to offer greater survivability, firepower, and endurance in contested environments. Lessons learned from the LCS program-both technical and procedural-are informing the development of these future assets.

USS Pierre’s delivery closes a chapter in U.S. naval shipbuilding but does not end the operational relevance of the LCS fleet. As unmanned technologies and modular systems continue to evolve, Pierre and its sister ships may find renewed utility in roles that leverage their speed, agility, and mission adaptability. The ship’s performance during trials and its integration into the fleet suggest that, while the program’s ambitions were tempered by reality, its legacy will persist in shaping the Navy’s approach to littoral and distributed maritime operations.