Mobile-based Austal USA has announced it successfully completed acceptance trials on its 19th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the last ship in the class. The future USS Pierre (LCS 38) returned to port on June 11 after conducting trials. “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 Austal USA Vice President of Surface Ship Programs Harley Combs. Acceptance trials involve comprehensive testing of the ship’s major systems and equipment to demonstrate their successful operation and mission readiness. The U.S. Navy participates throughout the trials to validate the quality of construction and compliance with Navy requirements. This ship will be the 19th Independence-variant LCS and will soon transition to her home port of San Diego. In addition to Pierre, Austal USA is also constructing seven more Navy and U.S. 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.