Features & Specifications
USS Pierre features a sleek, high-performance trimaran hull constructed from lightweight aluminum. This unique three-hull design provides superior stability, reduced drag, and exceptional agility at high speeds. The wide beam also creates a massive flight deck and internal mission bay, offering ample space for aircraft operations and modular mission systems while maintaining a shallow draft for close-to-shore missions.
The ship measures approximately 418 feet in length with a 104-foot beam and a draft under 14 feet, making it ideal for operations in coastal and shallow waters. Powered by a combination of gas turbines and diesel engines driving waterjets, USS Pierre can reach speeds of over 40 knots while maintaining a range of roughly 4,300 nautical miles at cruising speed — balancing speed with endurance.
Designed for adaptability, the Independence-class can be quickly reconfigured through modular mission packages. These include options for surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. The mission bay and flight deck can also accommodate helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and small boats, allowing the crew to respond rapidly to evolving threats or humanitarian operations in littoral environments.
USS Pierre operates with a core crew of about 40 sailors, supplemented by mission specialists depending on the configuration. The ship’s advanced combat suite includes SeaRAM missile defense, 57 mm Mk 110 gun, and automated radar and communication systems. Its integrated command center allows real-time coordination with aircraft, drones, and other naval assets — providing a powerful balance of speed, flexibility, and firepower.
Command Triad
What is a Command Triad?
A Command Triad is the leadership team that guides and manages a U.S. Navy command — such as a ship, squadron, or shore installation. It’s made up of three key leaders who work together to ensure mission success, crew readiness, and overall command effectiveness.
The Command Triad includes:
Commanding Officer (CO): The senior leader in charge. The CO has ultimate responsibility for the ship, its mission, and its people.
Executive Officer (XO): The second-in-command who runs daily operations, enforces standards, and ensures the CO’s policies are carried out.
Command Master Chief (CMC): The senior enlisted advisor who represents the enlisted crew, promotes morale, and keeps communication flowing between officers and enlisted Sailors.
Together, these three form a unified leadership team — balancing strategy, execution, and people. A strong Command Triad builds trust, discipline, and a shared commitment to excellence across the command.
Commander Justin L. Guernsey
United States Navy
Commanding Officer, USS PIERRE (LCS 38)
Commander Guernsey is a Philadelphia native who graduated from the University of Southern California in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Los Angeles Consortium. He later earned a master’s degree in system engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
At sea, Commander Guernsey served as electrical officer and communications officer aboard USS Donald Cook (DDG 75); weapons officer aboard USS Independence (LCS 2); combat systems officer and operations officer aboard USS Montgomery (LCS 8); and executive office aboard USS Cincinnati (LCS 20).
Ashore Commander Guernsey served as Assistant Operations Officer and LCS Training Liaison Officer at Afloat Training Group San Diego; on staff as N3 Operations Officer at Surface Division Eleven; and as Director of Fleet Training – Pacific at Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center.
Commander Guernsey assumed command of LCS Crew 235 in August 2024.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal, as well as other personal and unit awards.
Commander Audrey L. Munji
United States Navy
Executive Officer, USS PIERRE (LCS 38)
A native of Wadsworth, IL, Commander Audrey Munji graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.
Afloat, Commander Munji completed her first division officer tour aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) as the Main Propulsion Officer and Gunnery Officer. Fleeting up, she served her second tour as Damage Control Assistant. As a department head, Commander Munji completed tours onboard USS Montgomery (LCS 8) as the Chief Engineer and COMPHIBRON ONE as the Materiel and Logistics Officer.
Ashore, Commander Munji served her post-division officer tour as a Special Events Officer at the United States Naval Academy. Post-department head, she returned to Surface Warfare School Command Newport to instruct perspective LCS engineers. Most recently, she served as a Detailer in the Surface Warfare Assignments Branch (PERS-41) at the Navy Personnel Command. Additionally, Commander Munji completed a Master of Arts in National Security from the Naval War College in 2016 via the fleet seminar program.
Commander Munji’s personal awards include Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other personal, unit and service awards.
Command Senior Chief Eric C. Dirk
United States Navy
Command Senior Chief, USS PIERRE (LCS 38)
Command Senior Chief Eric Dirk is a native of Muncy, PA and a 1995 graduate of Hughesville High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 2003 and attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of basic training, he attended Builder “A” School in Gulfport, MS.
Command Senior Chief Dirk has deployed to several locations around the world including Japan, Kuwait, Iraq, Guam, Guyana, Afghanistan, Spain, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Israel, Albania and Djibouti. His previous tours include Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE, Public Works Department New Orleans and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE.
He is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader at USS Pierre (LCS 38).
Senior Chief Dirk is designated as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 220), Command Master Chief & Chief of the Boat (Class 24130) and has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Park Management from The Pennsylvania State University in 2002 and a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University in 2014.
His personal decorations include: the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and other service awards.
About The Crest
Shield
The blue field represents the littoral domain in which the USS PIERRE (LCS 38) operates. The gold pile symbolizes speed and maneuverability required for minesweeping missions. As a color of abundance, gold highlights the LCS vessel’s capabilities to function in large-scale combat and small-scale operations. The submarine mine embodies the duty of the USS PIERRE (LCS 38) as a Mine Countermeasure Module (MCM) asset to detect, classify, and localize mines. The coyote characterizes the traits of fierceness, strength, and resilience, and its placement upon the mine alludes to the vessel’s efforts of preventing future maritime endangerment. The fully bloomed wheat signifies prosperity and sustenance despite hostile environments. Together, the coyote and wheat honor the state of South Dakota. Both elements refer to the state’s vitality the midst of dry climates.
Crest
The two walleyes depict the state fish of South Dakota, while their sharp teeth and distinct ability to hunt at night aligns with the USS PIERRE’s expertise to detect and disable hidden mines in the seas. The trident acknowledges the vessel’s authority to patrol the seashore.
In heraldry, the wreath (or torse) is a critical element of a coat of arms, it was the twisted band composed of two strips of gold or silver lace and silk by which the crest is joined to the knight’s helmet. The torse is always composed of six twists of material displayed alternately. The first twist is the primary metal color (gold or silver) and the second twist represents the primary color of arms in the shield.
Supporters
The Navy officer’s sword and the Navy enlisted cutlass denote the teamwork and cooperation demonstrated by the crew of the USS PIERRE (LCS 38).
Motto
The ship’s motto, “ONE THE MOVE, ON THE HUNT,” is inspired from the city’s official motto. The motto encompasses the USS PIERRE’s continuous mission to hunt and capture mines through MCM capabilities.
Seal
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval within a Navy blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USS PIERRE” at the top and “LCS 38” at the base in gold.
USS PIERRE History
AUSTAL
Project Awarded
Awarded: December 17, 2018
Laid Down
Laid Down
Laid Down: June 16, 2023
Launched
Mobile, Alabama
Launched: August 5, 2024
Commissioning
in Panama City, Florida
Commissioning: November 15, 2025, in Panama City, Florida
