The US Navy has commissioned the USS Pierre (LCS 38), its 19th and final Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), on 15 November in Panama City, Florida.
John Phelan, Secretary of the US Navy, served as the principal speaker at the commissioning ceremony.
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The US Navy accepted Pierre in July 2025, after the ship successfully completed its acceptance trials.
Pierre is the second vessel in US Navy history to bear the name.
Larissa Thune Hargens, a South Dakota native and a graduate of Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the ship’s sponsor.
Secretary Phelan said: “This ship represents the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship of the builders, yard workers, and industry partners who brought her from concept to keel commissioning.
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By GlobalData“The leadership and crew of USS Pierre carry forward the pride of their namesake with a steady course and clear purpose. They are backed by the Navy, the Nation, the shipbuilders who brought her to life, and the families whose support and sacrifice make service possible.”
The LCS class comprises two separate variants, Freedom and Independence.
Lockheed Martin led the construction of the Freedom variant assigned to odd-numbered hulls at Marinette, Wisconsin, while Austal USA constructed even-numbered Independence-variant ships at Mobile, Alabama.
The LCS class is designed for rapid deployment in near-shore environments to address contemporary security needs.
These ships are classified as small surface combatants but are equipped to counter threats in coastal waters.
The LCS is capable of operating independently or alongside larger multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
Its operational roles include supporting maritime security operations, maintaining sea control, establishing forward presence, and contributing to deterrence strategies within key theatres.
In Boston Massachusetts on 16 November 2024, the US Navy commissioned USS Nantucket, which represents one of the final Freedom-class LCS vessels.
