US Navy christens littoral combat ship Pierre

The US Navy christened its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) in a ceremony at Austal USA's Mobile, Alabama facilities on Saturday, May 18.

The future USS Pierre is the second US Navy ship named in honour of the capital city of South Dakota. Following delivery, it will join its LCS sisters homeported in San Diego and deploying to the Indo-Pacific region.

Upon completion, the future Pierre will measure 418 feet (127 metres) long and 104 feet (31.6 metres) wide and displace 3,421 tons (3,104 tonnes) at full load. Armament will include a BAE Systems naval gun, four 12.7mm machine guns, and Evolved SeaRAM surface-to-air missiles.

The ship's propulsion will deliver a maximum speed of 43 knots. Alternatively, a cruising speed of 20 knots will enable the LCS to sail up to 4,300 nautical miles.