By Troy Turner
Shipbuilder Austal USA, headquartered in Mobile, shared photos last week of its sentimental goodbye to the U.S. Navy’s last littoral combat ship of the Independence-variant, the future USS Pierre (LCS 38).
The company also hosted for its employees and special guests several celebration events and activities in salute to a program that provided 19 Independence-variant vessels to the Navy.
“It was a bittersweet feeling this morning for the Austal USA shipbuilding team and the Mobile community as we bid fair winds and following seas to the Navy’s final Independence-variant LCS, Pierre (LCS 38), proudly built by our dedicated and talented workforce,” the company posted on Oct. 10.
“We look forward to seeing her do great things as she joins her sister ships following her introduction to the fleet when she’s commissioned next month in Panama City, Florida.
“Best of luck to her and her crew who are soon to be, as their motto states, ‘on the move … on the hunt!’”
Although the USS Pierre is the last ship in the class produced by Austal USA, the company will continue “emergent repair and continuous maintenance on the fleet’s littoral combat ships deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans and the countries and ports therein” after winning a contract modification from the Navy earlier this year.
The $48 million modification to a previously awarded contract brings the company a step closer to an overall, multi-year $216 million deal if all options continue to be exercised.
Meanwhile, Austal USA on Oct. 3 hosted a night celebration event in which several government, industry and local VIPs attended.
“The event marked the end of an incredible era in our shipyard’s history and honored the innovation behind nearly two decades of shipbuilding excellence,” the company posted.
“Over the past 20 years, Austal USA has proudly delivered 19 Independence-variant LCS to the U.S. Navy, a class of ships that has made a lasting impact on our military and community. We are deeply grateful to our industry partners, suppliers, and collaborators whose expertise and support helped build a legacy that will continue to serve our nation for generations to come.
“As we close this remarkable chapter, we look forward to our bright future as we continue to deliver advanced, mission-ready ships and cutters and maritime solutions that support America’s defense and strengthen our maritime future,”
Among those it said attended were Scott Beauchemin of General Dynamics, Commodore David Frost, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, former Congressman Bradley Byrne, former Congressman Jerry Carl, Congressman Barry Moore and Rear Admiral (Retired) Tom Anderson.
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
Photos via Austal USA.
Similar stories of interest:
