Austal USA has completed acceptance trials on the company’s 19th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the last ship in the class.
As disclosed, the future USS Pierre (LCS 38) returned to port late on June 11 after conducting trials. Acceptance trials involve comprehensive testing conducted on the ship’s major systems and equipment in order to demonstrate their successful operation and mission readiness.
The US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) participated throughout the trials to validate the quality of construction and compliance with navy requirements.
Successfully completing sea trials requires test and activation/trials, program management, engineering, operations, site services, and supply chain management.
“The completion of LCS 38 sea trials marks the achievement of an important milestone at Austal USA, the last LCS to go out to sea under our control,” said Harley Combs , Austal USA Vice President of Surface Ship Programs.
USS Pierre will soon transition to its home port of San Diego. With the delivery of this LCS, Austal USA will have delivered 19 LCS to the navy, marking a significant milestone.
In addition to the LCS program, Austal USA is also constructing seven more US Navy and US Coast Guard ships as well as modules for both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs and aircraft elevators for the Ford-class aircraft carrier fleet.