USS Pierre Commissioned as Independence-Class Program Concludes; Regional Naval Tensions Increase
On November 15th 2025 in Panama City Florida, the US Navy celebrated the commission of USS Pierre (LCS 38) - its final Independence-class littoral combat ship - as the final vessel in this class from Independence-class littoral combat ships, while concurrently regional maritime tensions intensified due to Chinese naval modernization, Russian exercises in Southeast Asia, and Venezuelan mobilization due to US carrier operations in the Caribbean.
USS Pierre Commissioned as Part of Independence-Class Program
On November 15, 2025 at Naval Station Mayport in Panama City, Florida, the US Navy officially inaugurated USS Pierre (LCS 38). South Dakota native Larissa Thune Hargens served as ship sponsor, officially placing it into active service under Commander of Naval Surface Force US Pacific Fleet. She delivered her commissioning order as the ceremony concluded. USS Pierre will transit from Panama City to San Diego before officially coming under Command of Naval Surface Force US Pacific Fleet's jurisdiction.
The USS Pierre is the third ship to bear this name since World War II; following in its footsteps is an antisubmarine submarine chaser and cargo vessel during Okinawa conflict. Her keel was laid on June 16, 2023, with her christening taking place May 18th 2024 and launch taking place August 5th. At Austal USA's acceptance trials conducted on June 11th 2025 it was found to have achieved highest measured quality measured during trials over 15 years!
USS Pierre boasts advanced technologies including Sea Giraffe 3D air and surface search radar, navigational systems and electronic surveillance capabilities. Equipped with two helicopter hangars to support two helicopters as well as various unmanned aerial systems (UASs), she operates with a standard crew of 40 sailors at 20 knots and can cover 4,300 nautical miles at 20 knots - though its development was met with significant challenges that included structural cracking issues, propulsion reliability concerns, corrosion concerns and corrosion-induced leaks which led to Navy's shift toward Constellation-class frigates for multi-domain operations.
China Continues Modernization of Naval Fleet with Amphibious Assault Ship Trials
China launched sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship on November 14, 2025 - just one week after commissioning its latest aircraft carrier as part of rapid modernization efforts. This development highlights China's expansion in naval capabilities with their fleet already becoming the world's largest by vessel count; amphibious assault ship trials represent a key milestone in China's ability to project power across regional waters and support expeditionary operations.
British Royal Navy Declares HMS Prince of Wales Combat-Ready
On November 17, 2025, the British Royal Navy officially acknowledged that their HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group achieved combat-ready status - an important milestone for UK naval operations that shows their readiness to conduct maritime operations and power projection across global waters.
Regional Maritime Tensions Increase Amid Strategic Movements
Maritime tensions flared across multiple regions during the November 8-15 period. A tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz suddenly deviated into Iranian territorial waters on November 14, 2025, prompting British military officials to issue warnings of possible state activity affecting her navigation - an incident which highlighted ongoing tensions in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
Southeast Asia saw three Russian Navy ships arrive in Yangon last week for the annual Marumex exercise, in which Russian naval forces joined Myanmar navy operations in the Andaman Sea. Concurrently, US Marine Corps temporarily deployed drone units to support Philippine maritime security efforts in the South China Sea where tensions between Manila and Beijing remain elevated over territorial disputes.
Venezuela announced large-scale military mobilization as a response to the arrival of USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group in Caribbean waters, reflecting rising regional tensions and competition within Western Hemisphere waters.