Lisa Wade, General Manager of Mobility Engines and Marine, said the event represented the close of a long-running collaboration. “The commissioning of USS Pierre marks the successful conclusion of the LCS program and showcases the continuous innovation GE Aerospace has delivered throughout this partnership,” she said.
Wade added that the technology on board reflects advances developed over the life of the programme. “The composite enclosure and electric start technologies pioneered on these ships will serve as the foundation for next-generation naval propulsion systems, demonstrating our commitment to advancing sailor safety, operational efficiency, and mission readiness,” she said.
The Littoral Combat Ship class was designed for fast, agile operations in near-shore environments, and the USS Pierre brings together the latest upgrades introduced across recent hulls. Its build includes GE Aerospace’s lightweight composite enclosure and RINA MIL certified electric start system, both intended to raise performance and simplify long-term operations.
GE Aerospace first introduced the composite enclosure to the US Navy fleet on USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) in March 2023, following Navy certification in 2019. The structure is lighter than steel, reduces noise levels and heat in the engine room, and improves durability and access for crews.
The USS Pierre also carries the company’s electric start system, the only US mil-spec certified unit for naval and marine use. The system replaces traditional hydraulic starters with a lighter, more compact and proven solution supported by more than 100,000 operational hours in industrial settings.
