USS PIERRE (LCS-38) Commissioning

The festivities surrounding the commissioning of USS PIERRE (LCS-38) began the evening before with a memorable Chairman’s Reception dinner hosted for the crew, official party, and distinguished guests at the Florida State University Panama City Holley Academic Center in Panama City, Florida. The event featured the presentation of gifts to the ship and it’s sponsor from various organizations, as well as the unveiling of original artwork created specifically for USS PIERRE by renowned artist Peter Hsu. In addition to the hardworking Commissioning Committee, the Panama City Navy League worked tirelessly to welcome everyone involved and ensure the entire commissioning experience was warm, seamless, and unforgettable.

The morning of November 15th was a picture-perfect day for the commissioning of USS PIERRE (LCS-38), the 19th and final Littoral Combat Ship to be built and placed in commission. The ship will soon head to her new homeport of San Diego, so it was fitting that the weather that day mirrored what one would expect in Southern California: sunny, 75°F, and low humidity. The ceremony was highly anticipated not only by the official party and crew but also by the residents of Panama City, Florida.

Several speakers remarked on how warmly the people of Panama City had welcomed the crew and how much they had enjoyed true “Southern Hospitality.”

This is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of Pierre, a small South Dakota city of just 14,000 residents. Mayor Steve Harding of Pierre spoke about the proud history of the previous namesakes:

• The first was SS Pierre Victory (VC2-S-AP3), a Victory ship cargo vessel that saw active service in World War II.

• The second was USS Pierre (PC-1141), a PC-461-class submarine chaser built for the Navy during World War II.

The Honorable John Phelan, 79th Secretary of the Navy, echoed Mayor Harding’s pride and said he was honored to be in Panama City to officially place USS Pierre into commission.

Senator John Thune, father of the ship’s sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens, expressed his pride in his daughter and his confidence that she would uphold the lifelong role and responsibilities of a ship sponsor with honor.

Larissa Thune Hargens thanked her father for his support and kind words, as well as her mother and sister, who will serve as her matron of honor and maid of honor. She spoke movingly of the “pride, purpose, and profound connection between the ship, her crew, her namesake city of Pierre, and our great nation.” As ship sponsor, she pledged her ongoing support and deep appreciation to the current and future crews.

Commander John Guernsey, commanding officer of USS PIERRE, closed the speaking portion by praising the hard work his crew had put in over recent months to master the performance and capabilities of the Navy’s newest fighting ship. He concluded by leading the crowd in the ship’s motto, “On the Move, On the Hunt!”—a phrase the audience enthusiastically repeated.

In the culminating moment, sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens delivered the time-honored command: “Man our ship and bring her to life!” The crew responded in unison, “Aye, aye, ma’am!” and ran aboard as the ship officially came to life.

Submitted by Beth Asher (USNS POINT LOMA EPF 15)

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member