USS Pierre Completes Sea Trials as Final Independence-Class Ship

News Summary

The USS Pierre, the last Independence-class littoral combat ship, has successfully completed its sea trials in San Diego, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy. Built by Austal USA, the USS Pierre will be commissioned this fall and will play a crucial role in the Navy’s maritime strategy. The ship is designed for various mission capabilities including mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to global security. Following the sea trials, the USS Pierre is set to enhance the Navy’s operational readiness in ongoing maritime operations.

San Diego, California – USS Pierre Completes Sea Trials as Last Independence-Class Littoral Combat Ship

The USS Pierre, the final ship in the U.S. Navy’s Independence class of littoral combat ships (LCS), has successfully completed its sea trials and is set for commissioning in San Diego this fall. The successful trials mark a significant milestone for the Navy and for shipbuilding history as the USS Pierre becomes a crucial component of the Navy’s maritime strategy.

The USS Pierre, built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, spans 418 feet and is specifically designed for mission capabilities including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and maritime security. As the 19th Independence-variant LCS and the second vessel named after Pierre, South Dakota, its induction into service is particularly symbolic of the Navy’s commitment to enhancing global security and combat readiness.

Upcoming Commissioning and Homeport

The commissioning ceremony for the USS Pierre will take place in San Diego, where it will be homeported to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. This strategic positioning enables the USS Pierre and its crew to contribute effectively to ongoing maritime operations in the Pacific and beyond.

Background on Independence-Class Ships

The Independence class was developed alongside a sister variant known as the Freedom class, with both types facing scrutiny over performance. Government auditors have noted that the Independence and Freedom classes have not met initial combat expectations, particularly regarding armament sufficient for naval battles. Furthermore, both classes have proven to be more costly to operate and maintain than projected.

Historically, the first ship in the Independence class, the USS Independence, was commissioned in 2010 but decommissioned in 2021. The USS Coronado followed with about eight years of service before being decommissioned in 2022. Currently, approximately 17 Independence-class vessels remain active alongside roughly ten Freedom-class ships.

Current Navy Operations and Future Plans

Meanwhile, the USS Canberra, another Independence-class ship, is on a lengthy mission in the Middle East focused on maritime security. Concurrently, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, which deployed from San Diego in late November, is also operating in the region. The USS Nimitz, previously homeported in San Diego from 2002 to 2012, is completing its final mission and is expected to be decommissioned soon.

Looking ahead, the Navy plans to shift its focus from the Independence-class and Freedom-class vessels to the production of the Constellation-class frigate. This transition reflects the Navy’s aim to modernize its fleet while addressing the operational challenges encountered with previous iterations of ship classes. Additionally, the Navy has designated three Independence-class ships for outfitting with mine-hunting capabilities, which will include the deployment of drones for more effective maritime operations.

Significance of the Sea Trials

During the sea trials, the USS Pierre underwent comprehensive testing of its major systems and equipment, successfully validating its operational readiness. This achievement not only highlights the engineering capabilities of Austal USA but also reinforces the importance of littoral combat ships in addressing contemporary naval challenges. As the U.S. Navy continues to adapt to rapidly changing maritime threats, the USS Pierre stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of naval warfare strategy.

As an emblem of the Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime security and maintaining combat readiness, the induction of the USS Pierre as the last of the Independence-class vessels is a pivotal addition to the United States’ naval fleet. Its commissioning this fall will mark a new chapter in the future of littoral combat operations.

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• San Diego Union-Tribune
• Wikipedia: Littoral Combat Ship
• Stars and Stripes
• Google Search: USS Pierre acceptance trials
• WorkBoat
• Google Scholar: Independence class littoral combat ship
• ExecutiveGov
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Littoral Combat Ship
• Marine Insight
• Google News: USS Pierre sea trials