The waves of Mobile, Alabama, witnessed a significant naval milestone as the future USS Pierre (LCS 38) was christened, ushering a new chapter for the U.S. Navy while signaling the end of an era.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship was introduced amidst a gathering of over 400 attendees, including key naval figures, dignitaries, and the ship’s sponsor, Larissa Thune Hargens.

The christening of the USS Pierre, named after the capital city of South Dakota, symbolizes more than just the addition of a new ship to the fleet.

It encapsulates a family legacy of military service, innovation in naval shipbuilding, and the conclusion of the LCS program at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile.

Hargens, daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune and granddaughter of a WWII hero awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, performed the ceremonial bottle break over the ship’s bow.

“It is truly an honor for PEO USC to have led the construction of this remarkable class of ships,” stated Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants. “The Littoral Combat Ship stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in naval shipbuilding.”

The USS Pierre is the last of Austal USA’s 19 Independence-variant LCSs, a class of ships renowned for their speed, agility, and mission-focused design.

These vessels are tailored to dominate near-shore environments, tackle coastal threats, and support maritime security and deterrence.

San Diego will serve as the homeport for the newly christened ship, which is set to deploy to the strategically crucial INDO-PACOM region.

The significance of the USS Pierre’s christening extends beyond its future missions. It marks the end of Austal USA’s LCS production, a program that profoundly influenced the company’s growth and the local economy.

Michelle Kruger, President of Austal USA, shared her sentiments at the ceremony, expressing a blend of nostalgia and optimism: “Christening this ship, the last Austal USA-built LCS, makes me a bit nostalgic but I know, for this company and the great team we’ve assembled, the future is bright and limitless.”

While the USS Pierre prepares to join its sister ships in defense of national interests, the U.S. Navy is experiencing a shift in its approach to littoral combat ships.

Two Freedom-class LCSs, the USS Detroit and USS Little Rock, were quietly decommissioned in one day at Mayport, Florida. Their early exit from service, well before the end of their design lifetime, underscores the evolving needs and strategic considerations of naval warfare.

As the Navy reevaluates the Freedom-class LCS’s role and continues to welcome new hulls, it awaits the Constellation-class frigate, which is expected to replace both LCS classes in future production.

The decommissioning of earlier LCS vessels and the christening of the USS Pierre signify a transition in naval capabilities and the continuous pursuit of excellence in protecting the seas.

Relevant articles:
– USS Pierre christened in Alabama Saturday before heading to homeport of San Diego, Yahoo
– Future USS Pierre (LCS 38) Christened, Marine Link
– ‘A bit nostalgic’: Mobile’s Austal shipyard hosts final christening for Littoral Combat Ship, AL.com
– U.S. Navy Quietly Decommissions Two Littoral Combat Ships in One Day, maritime-executive.com