In a milestone that marks the end of an era for the U.S. naval shipbuilding industry, the United States Navy has formally taken delivery of the USS Pierre (LCS 38), the final Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) of the Independence class built by Austal USA. The handover follows the ship’s successful completion of acceptance trials in June, concluding one of the most ambitious—and controversial—naval programs of the past few decades.
With the signing of delivery documents aboard the ship, Austal USA has completed delivery of the nineteenth and final vessel in this class, closing out 15 years of production at its shipyards in Mobile, Alabama. The USS Pierre is the second Navy vessel to bear the name, honoring the capital of South Dakota. Its official sponsor is Larissa Thune, daughter of Senate Minority Whip John Thune, who etched her initials into the keel in June 2023 and took part in its public christening in May.
The LCS program was launched with the promise of delivering lightweight, modular, and highly maneuverable ships for operations in coastal environments. However, the Independence-class vessels have been plagued by criticism from the outset—regarding costs, combat capabilities, maintenance challenges, and durability. Multiple reports from both the Navy and Congress highlighted critical shortcomings in key systems, high operational expenses, and technical limitations that strayed far from the program’s original vision.
Despite these setbacks, Austal USA emphasized the dedication and commitment behind the construction of USS Pierre. Company president Michelle Kruger called the delivery “one of the most memorable milestones,” as it definitively closes the Independence-class LCS chapter: “Our team has poured years of dedication, innovation, and excellence into building this ship. While USS Pierre is the last LCS we will deliver, we remain committed to supporting the Navy with innovative maritime solutions,” said Kruger.
Operational Balance and Uncertain Future
Despite its controversies, the Independence class has played important roles in recent Navy deployments. Ships like the USS Oakland (LCS 24) have served as platforms for unmanned surface vehicles, while others like USS Canberra (LCS 30) have been deployed in mine countermeasure missions using modular packages with aerial and autonomous systems. These vessels have operated in strategic theaters such as the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets across Asia and the Middle East.
Nonetheless, the future of the LCS fleet remains uncertain. The Navy has already begun early retirements of several units and is reevaluating their role within a broader shift toward more versatile, autonomous platforms with increased firepower.
With the closure of the LCS production line, Austal USA currently has nine vessels under construction for the Navy and one for the Coast Guard, with plans to begin building a second cutter in August—further diversifying its portfolio beyond the LCS program.
A Mixed Legacy
The delivery of the USS Pierre represents both an industrial milestone and the conclusion of a troubled chapter in American naval shipbuilding history. While originally designed to redefine 21st-century littoral operations, the Independence-class LCS leaves behind a mixed legacy: innovations in modular platforms and unmanned systems, but also costly lessons in design, planning, and strategic execution.
For the Navy, the challenge now lies in reshaping its littoral force with new capabilities. For Austal USA, it’s an opportunity to reinvent itself following the close of a cycle that—despite its flaws—reshaped the naval landscape over the past two decades.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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