The United States Navy officially celebrated the commissioning of USS Pierre (LCS-38), the last of the littoral combat ships belonging to the troubled Independence class, during a ceremony held at the port of its namesake city, Pierre, in the state of South Dakota. With this new unit, the naval force marks the end of one of the most controversial stages of its LCS program, characterized by construction delays, cost overruns, and operational difficulties recorded over the past two decades.
USS Pierre had been officially delivered to the U.S. Navy in July 2025 by Austal USA, the shipyard responsible for producing the Independence-class vessels. The unit was the last built under the Littoral Combat Ship program, a project intended to provide the Navy with modular, high-speed, shallow-draft ships designed to operate in coastal environments and conduct anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasure missions.
However, from its earliest stages, the LCS program became entangled in multiple technical and budgetary complications. Issues with propulsion systems, structural limitations of the hulls, and the lack of viability of the “mission modules” resulted in repeated delays and revisions. In the case of USS Pierre, its construction faced postponements derived from adjustments in industrial processes and the prioritization of new naval programs such as the Constellation-class frigates (FFG-62).
In total, the Independence class includes 19 delivered units, several of which have already been retired or reassigned due to high maintenance costs and their limited capability against emerging threats.
Additionally, it is important to note that the end of the LCS program also coincides with a reorientation of the U.S. naval strategy, focused on strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific and developing more versatile platforms such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and the new Constellation-class frigates, conceived to progressively replace the less capable LCS units.
“Reflecting on the strength of American shipbuilding and national commitment, the commissioning of USS Pierre marks an important milestone for the Fleet (…)” stated Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. He also added: “This ship represents the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship of the builders, shipyard workers, and industry partners who made it possible, from conception to commissioning.”
Finally, according to information released by official authorities, USS Pierre will be assigned to the Surface Force (SURFOR) and will operate under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2, based in San Diego, California. Its entry into service represents both the closing of a technological chapter and the beginning of a new phase of modernization and transition.
