A new surface combat ship is coming to San Diego this fall, the USS Pierre (LCS 38), after it successfully completed its sea trials in Mobile, Alabama, at the beginning of June.
The Pierre is the 19th littoral combat ship (LCS) constructed and the last one in its class. It has the ability to operate independently or as part of a network of ships, according to a release from the Navy.
During sea trials, the ship achieved the highest measured quality in 15 years.
With a length of about 418 feet, the Pierre cost around $600 million to build and is designed for near-shore environments for maritime security and sea control.
“Its cutting-edge design and versatility make it a force multiplier, ready to meet the challenges of modern naval warfare,” said Melissa Kirkendall, acting program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants. “Pierre is not just the final LCS in its class – it’s a symbol of our Navy’s strength, lethality and commitment to global security.”
Littoral combat ships include two variants: trimaran-hulled vessels, such as the Pierre, are in the Independence class; mono-hulled ships are in the Freedom class.
Jonas Brown, deputy program manager of the LCS program office, said the USS Pierre’s completion marks the close of an important chapter in United States shipbuilding history.
“We are eager to deliver this powerful warship, where it will undoubtedly serve effectively in the fleet,” Brown said.
