The beginning of the final LCS
Austal USA in Mobile last week celebrated keel-laying of what likely will be the last Littoral Combat Ship to enter U.S. Navy service, LCS-38. The 19th of the Independence-class LCSs built in Mobile, the angular trimaran is set to become the USS Pierre.
Austal USA
A graphic illustration of the future Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Pierre (LCS 38). (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul L. Archer/Released)
When commissioned, she will be only the second ship named for the South Dakota city.
The first, the PC-461 Class submarine chaser USS Pierre (PC 1141), while commissioned in 1943, only carried a hull number until 1956 when she picked up her more honorable moniker.
Decommissioned just two years later, she was then stricken and transferred to Indonesia. Naval History and Heritage Command photo NH 85158.
Hopefully, the second USS Pierre will have a longer term on the Navy List.
I would just pay the men (and ladies!) and not build it. Surely the USN or USCG has other work for them to fill the time?
We can’t be told one week these tubs are unsurvivable one week and then begin to build a new one. Especially as the USN is already taking the rest out of service.