U.S. Navy to commission final Independence-variant USS Pierre in Panama City on 15 November

South Dakota native and ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens will lead the commissioning ceremony by giving the traditional order, “man our ship and bring her to life!” The vessel officially joins the fleet once the commissioning pennant is raised.

Pierre is the 19th and final Independence-variant littoral combat ship to be constructed. It is the third ship named after South Dakota’s capital city and the second Navy warship to bear the name, following the PC-461-class submarine chaser PC-1141.

The legacy also includes the SS Pierre Victory, a Victory-class cargo ship that distinguished itself during World War II by shooting down a kamikaze aircraft near Okinawa. After commissioning, LCS 38 will sail to its new homeport in San Diego.

The littoral combat ship class is built for speed, agility and missions in near-shore environments to counter modern threats. Designed as small surface combatants, they can operate independently or as part of a networked battle force with cruisers and destroyers in key theatres worldwide.

The Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet is tasked with manning, training and equipping the Surface Force. Its mission is to ensure credible naval power that can control the sea and project power ashore.