PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The U.S. Navy formally commissioned USS Pierre (LCS-38), the newest Independence-class littoral combat ship, in a ceremony on November 15, 2025, celebrating both naval innovation and community engagement. The event highlighted the dedication of shipbuilders, sponsors, and crew, marking Pierre as the 19th and final ship of its class.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan lauded the Independence-variant design, stating, “It is an honor to place USS Pierre into commission, surrounded by those who built her and those who will sail her.” Larissa Thune Hargens, the ship’s sponsor and daughter of Senator John Thune, commanded the crew to “man our ship and bring her to life,” prompting a spirited response of “aye, aye, ma’am.”
Commander Justin Guernsey, commanding officer of USS Pierre, emphasized the vessel’s role in symbolizing America’s readiness and freedom, adding that the crew spent the preceding week engaging with Panama City organizations, hosting tours, and forging ties with the local community. Other distinguished guests included U.S. Senators John Thune and Ashley Moody, U.S. Representative Neal Dunn, Deputy Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South Rear Admiral Jeff Jurgemeyer, and the mayors of Pierre, South Dakota, and Panama City, Florida.
USS Pierre features a high-performance trimaran hull constructed from lightweight aluminum, delivering superior stability, reduced drag, and exceptional agility. The 418-foot ship, with a 104-foot beam and under 14-foot draft, supports operations in both shallow littoral zones and open seas. Its propulsion system combines gas turbines and diesel engines driving waterjets, achieving speeds above 40 knots while maintaining a 4,300-nautical-mile range at cruising speed.
Designed for adaptability, USS Pierre can be rapidly reconfigured using modular mission packages, including surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine operations. Its expansive flight deck and mission bay accommodate helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and small boats, enabling the crew to respond swiftly to evolving threats or humanitarian missions. The ship’s combat suite incorporates SeaRAM missile defense, a 57 mm Mk 110 gun, and automated radar and communication systems, providing real-time coordination with aircraft, drones, and other naval platforms.
The Independence-class program originated in 2002 to develop fast, flexible, and mission-tailored surface combatants capable of operating in coastal and open-ocean environments. Even-numbered LCS ships, like Pierre, follow the trimaran design built by Austal USA, while odd-numbered ships employ the Freedom-class monohull. USS Pierre represents the continuation of this program, enhancing the Navy’s ability to project power, maintain maritime security, and integrate with joint manned and unmanned operations worldwide.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the ship’s motto, “On the move! … On the hunt!” reflecting her readiness for global deployment. As the second vessel named for Pierre, South Dakota, USS Pierre continues a naval legacy that dates back to World War II, when USS Pierre (PC-1141) served as a submarine chaser. Now fully commissioned, the ship joins the fleet prepared to execute complex missions across the world’s oceans, defending national interests and supporting allied operations.
