The U.S. Navy has commissioned the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) in a ceremony held on 15 November in Panama City, Florida, marking the arrival of the 19th and final ship of this class into active service.
During the event, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan acknowledged the technological progress represented by the Independence-variant design and expressed appreciation for the leadership and crew who brought the ship into commissioned service. He described it as an important day, stating that it was an honour to place the final ship of the variant into commission.
The ship’s sponsor, Larissa Thune Hargens, daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune, gave the traditional command to “man our ship and bring her to life,” after which the crew ran aboard and responded in unison.
She said the day represented pride and connection between the ship, its crew, the city of Pierre and the country. She also shared that
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