In Florida, in the city of Panama City, the ceremony of commissioning the coastal zone ship LCS-38 "Pierre", the 19th and last representative of the Independence line, took place in the United States Navy. The ship is named after the administrative center in South Dakota.
The Pyrrhus was laid down at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, in June 2023, and launched in August 2024. In June 2025, it became known that the ship's acceptance tests had been completed.
Commissioning of the Pyrrhus Coastal Zone ship, USA
US Navy
"This day marks a moment of pride, determination and deep connection between the ship, its crew, the city of Pyrrhus and our great country. I once again express my support and gratitude to every member of the crew," said Larissa Thune Hargens, the ship's sponsor and the daughter of South Dakota Senator John Thune. – My connection with the American Navy began long before this day, with my grandfather. He was a naval fighter pilot during World War II, flying missions over the Pacific Ocean. He was brave, determined, and deeply devoted to his country. I am sure you will defend our homeland with the same bravery, discipline and dedication to duty that have distinguished the Navy for generations."
The ship's commissioning ceremony was also attended by Senators John Thune and Ashley Moody, Congressman Neil Dunn from Florida, Deputy Director of the Joint Interagency Task Force South, Rear Admiral Jeff Yurgemeyer, Mayor of Pierre Steve Harding, Mayor of Panama City Allan Branch and President of Austal USA Michelle Krueger.
Recall that the US Navy initiated a program to build LCS-class coastal zone ships in 2002. Austal's design, based on commercial trimaran ferries, was chosen for the even-numbered ships in the series, while Lockheed Martin's single-hull variant was used to produce the odd-numbered Freedom-class ships.
The production of Independence-class ships faced many problems from the very beginning. The first two ships, Independence and Coronado, were decommissioned ahead of schedule, in 2021 and 2022, due to technical problems and high operating costs. The US Navy reported cracks in the hulls of six ships caused by structural vulnerabilities when operating at high speeds with sea waves above 2.4 meters.
Despite these problems, various improvements were introduced during the construction of subsequent ships, and at the moment 16 Independence-class ships remain in service.
The ship of the coastal zone "Pyrrhus", USA
US Navy
The total displacement of the Independence-class ship reaches 3,104 tons, the length of the hull is 127.4 meters, the width is 31.6 meters, and the draft is 4.27 meters. The propulsion system includes two gas turbines, two diesel engines, four diesel generators, four jet propulsion systems and a rotary steering column. It is claimed that the ship is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. The cruising range is 4,300 nautical miles at a speed of 20 knots.
The standard crew consists of 40 personnel, including eight officers. Accommodation for 35 additional staff is provided.
The ship's arsenal includes a 57 mm Mk.110 cannon, an 11–cell RIM-116 anti-aircraft missile launcher and four 12.7mm machine guns.
Two multi-purpose MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters can be accommodated on board.
