Austal USA Launches Final Littoral Combat Ship – LCS 38

Austal USA has successfully launched the future USS Pierre (LCS 38), marking the conclusion of the U.S. Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program.

This vessel is the 23rd LCS launched by Austal USA, utilizing their advanced, safe, and efficient multi-step launch method. The process involves rolling the ship onto a moored deck barge, transferring it to a floating dry dock, submerging the dock to allow the ship to float for the first time, and then removing the dry dock to moor the ship pier side for engine light-off and trials.

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“Meeting this ship milestone in such a safe and timely manner demonstrates how well our Austal USA launch team, transporter operators, and tug pilots have learned to work together over the last 13 years, seamlessly executing this technical launch process,” stated Austal USA Vice President of New Construction, Dave Growden. “Our industry teams work methodically alongside our Navy partners to improve this innovative process with each launch evolution, guaranteeing the Navy a quality product delivered on time and on budget.”

The Pierre, christened in May, is the Navy’s 19th and final Independence-variant LCS. It will be deployed to the Pacific fleet area of responsibility, supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. The Pierre is the second U.S. Navy ship launched at Austal USA this year.