Jan. 23, 2026:
When the USS Pierre (LCS 38) was commissioned as the newest addition to the U.S. Navy fleet in November 2025, a print shop operated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections played a part in helping to commemorate the event.
Pheasantland Industries’ Print Shop designed and produced custom gift boxes presented to the ship’s plank owners. Plank owners are a distinguished group that includes the vessel’s original crew and foundational supporters.
Each handcrafted gift box contained:
- A customized plaque featuring the USS Pierre emblem and a commemorative challenge coin;
- A tumbler adorned with the ship’s insignia;
- A window decal and novelty license plate; and
- A laser-engraved ornament celebrating the ship’s commissioning.
Associate Director of Pheasantland Industries Rene Stolsmark said the project showcased the quality of work as well as the creativity and skill of their team while also supporting a significant milestone for South Dakota and the U.S. Navy. She said they were honored to contribute to an event that celebrates service, tradition and community.
Pheasantland Industries provides vocational training and meaningful work opportunities for individuals in custody of the state Department of Corrections. Through projects like this, participants gain skills while also producing high-quality products for government agencies, nonprofits and special events.
Pheasantland Industries worked with the South Dakota-based USS Pierre Commissioning Committee on the project.
For more information about Pheasantland Industries and its mission, visit https://www.doc.sd.gov/pheasantland-industries.
Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
Nov. 20, 2026:
The USS Pierre (LCS 38) was officially added to the United States Navy’s fleet during a Commissioning Ceremony over the weekend (Nov. 15, 2025) in Florida.
United States Secretary of the Navy John Phelan had a message for the residents of Pierre.
South Dakota Senator John Thune said the USS Pierre will enhance and improve the defense of America…
While the commissioning ceremony is tradition, Phelan said the ceremony represents more than that.
There are walleye on the crest of the USS Pierre and Thune said they are appropriate for a military warship.
The USS Pierre is the last Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship to be added to the U.S. Navy fleet. It’s 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It will be home ported in San Diego, California.
USS Pierre (LCS38) Commissioning Ceremony in Panama City, Florida.
Nov. 15, 2025.
Nov. 14, 2025:
She’s been built. She’s passed her sea trials. And Saturday (Nov. 15, 2025) at 10am CT, the USS Pierre (LCS 38) will officially be added to the United States Navy’s fleet during a Commissioning Ceremony in Panama City, Florida.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding says planning for the USS Pierre started five years ago.
Not only is the Commissioning of the USS Pierre a major event for South Dakota, but Harding says it’s also a big event for the host city.
Harding served for many years in the U.S. Army and has now learned a lot about the U.S. Navy through his work with the USS Pierre Commissioning Committee. He says, regardless of which military branch you’re talking about, some things are the same.
Both Pierre and Panama City have commissioning committees, but Harding says Pierre’s will remain for the life of the ship.
The USS Pierre is the last Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship that will be added to the U.S. Navy fleet. It’s 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It will be home ported in San Diego, California.
The USS Pierre is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name of South Dakota’s state capitol. The first was a World War II PC-461-class submarine chaser (PC-1141) commissioned in 1943. However, the USS Pierre is the third U.S. Navy vessel named in honor of Pierre. The SS Pierre Victory, a cargo ship, also served during World War II. Prior to the USS Pierre, the most recently activated naval vessel with ties to South Dakota was the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) fast attack submarine, which officially joined the Navy’s fleet in Feb. 2019 (Feb. 2, 2019).
The USS Pierre was built by Austal USA, based in Mobile, Alabama.
Image is a screenshot of the Defense Now YouTube page that will livestream the Commissioning Ceremony of the USS Pierre (LCS 38).
Nov. 14, 2025.
May 21, 2025:
Another group of sailors that have been assigned to the United States Navy’s USS Pierre (LCS38) littoral combat ship are in South Dakota’s Capitol city this week (May 20-22, 2025), learning about their ship’s namesake.
Commissioning Committee member Mike Mehlhaff, Jr., told the Pierre City Commission that the group had a busy day Tuesday (May 20, 2025).
Mehlhaff says the group will be busy again today…. And there’s an opportunity for the public to meet the sailors.
If you feel like volunteering, Mehlhaff says there’s another opportunity for the public to meet the sailors Thursday afternoon.
The USS Pierre is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, home ported in San Diego, California. It has been undergoing sea trials, which take about one year to complete. Providing she completes them successfully, the Commissioning– or when the ship officially goes on active duty– is tentatively scheduled for early November (Nov. 8, 2025).
May 19, 2025:
Another group of sailors that have been assigned to the United States Navy’s USS Pierre (LCS38) littoral combat ship will visit South Dakota’s Capitol city this week (May 20-22, 2025), learning about their ship’s namesake.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding says the crew members will be in town Tuesday through Thursday.
Harding says the sailors will also take a tour of Pierre’s drinking water treatment plant, something the previous group of sailors found very interesting.
The USS Pierre will be an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, home ported in San Diego, California. It has been undergoing sea trials, which take about one year to complete. Providing she completes them successfully, the Commissioning– or when the ship officially goes on active duty– is tentatively scheduled for early November (Nov. 8, 2025).
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024:
Some of the sailors that have been assigned to the United States Navy’s USS Pierre (LCS38) littoral combat ship are in Pierre this week (Sept. 16-20, 2024) learning about their ship’s namesake.
The commanding officer is Commander Justin Guernsey. The Philadelphia native has been in the Navy for 18 years and served on four littoral combat ships.
Command Senior Chief Aaron Beugler is from California, but told the Pierre City Commission that he has a family connection to central South Dakota.
To begin building a lasting relationship with the community their ship is named after, the sailors invite the public to a meet-and-greet event at the American Legion Cabin in Pierre Wednesday (Sept. 18, 2024) from 4-7pm CT.
While in Pierre, the sailors are meeting with the USS Pierre Commissioning Committee, getting a tour from Mayor Steve Harding, talking with students at local elementary schools, volunteering with Feeding South Dakota and being treated to a social event onboard pontoons on the Missouri River. The ship’s sponsor is Larissa Thune Hargens, the youngest daughter of South Dakota Senator John Thune and his wife, Kimberly. Hargens has also been in town with the sailors.
The USS Pierre will be an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, homeported in San Diego. It’s currently undergoing sea trials, which take about one year to complete. Providing she completes them successfully, the Commissioning– or when the ship officially goes on active duty– is scheduled for 2025.
Sailors assigned to the United States Navy’s USS Pierre (LCS38) met with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
Sept. 18, 2024.
Courtesy photo.
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SEPTEMBER 17, 2024:
Sailors that will be stationed aboard a United States Navy ship named after the capital city of South Dakota are visiting their ship’s namesake this week (Sept. 16-20, 2024).
During the visit, Sailors assigned to the USS Pierre (LCS 38) will have the opportunity to learn about the city and history of Pierre. Sailors will meet with the USS Pierre Commissioning Committee, receive a tour from Mayor Steve Harding, speak at local elementary schools, volunteer with Feeding South Dakota and enjoy a social event onboard pontoons on the Missouri River.
A public meet-and-greet event will be held Wednesday (Sept. 18, 2024) from 4-7pm CT at the American Legion Cabin in Pierre. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with the Sailors and learn more about the USS Pierre.
Master Chief David Hyatt is the command master chief of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. That is the squadron the USS Pierre will join when it completes its sea trials. He says namesake visits are an opportunity for Sailors to begin building a lasting relationship with the community their ship is named after. Hyatt says the Sailors on the USS Pierre are an example of the caliber of Sailors that are serving aboard the ships that protect the United States.
The USS Pierre will be an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, homeported in San Diego. It’s currently undergoing sea trials, which take about one year to complete. Providing she completes them successfully, the Commissioning– or when the ship officially goes on active duty– is scheduled for 2025. The USS Pierre’s Keel Laying, or the official start of the shipbuilding process, happened last summer (June 16, 2023) in Alabama.
Representatives from Austal USA, the company that built the ship, spent some time in Pierre earlier this year (March 26, 2024) getting some insight about the place the ship is named for.
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MAY 20, 2024:
Activities surrounding the christening of the USS Pierre (LCS 38) were held Friday and Saturday (May 17-18, 2024) at the Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding attended the festivities and said it’s an honor for South Dakota’s capitol city to have a ship named after it.
South Dakota U.S. Senator John Thune says the USS Pierre is as much about the next generation as it is about protecting the current generation.
John and Kimberly Thune’s youngest daughter, Larissa Thune Hargens, is the sponsor of the USS Pierre.
The next stage for the USS Pierre is the sea trials, which take about one year to complete. Providing she successfully complete the sea trials, the Commissioning– or when the ship officially goes on active duty– is scheduled for 2025.
The USS Pierre’s Keel Laying, or the official start of the shipbuilding process, happened last summer (June 16, 2023) in Alabama. Representatives from the company building the ship spent some time in Pierre in March (March 26, 2024) to get some insight about the place the ship is named for.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) is 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
Larissa Thune Hargens christens the USS Pierre (LCS38) on May 18, 2024.
Image is a screenshot of the live video on the Austal USA Facebook page.
Larissa Thune Hargens christens the USS Pierre (LCS38) on May 18, 2024.
Image is a screenshot of the live video on the Austal USA Facebook page.
Larissa Thune Hargens christens the USS Pierre (LCS38) on May 18, 2024.
Image is a screenshot of the live video on the Austal USA Facebook page.
Larissa Thune Hargens christens the USS Pierre (LCS38) on May 18, 2024.
Image is a screenshot of the live video on the Austal USA Facebook page.
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MAY 17, 2024:
Activities surrounding the christening of the USS Pierre (LCS 38) are being held today and tomorrow (May 17-18, 2024) at the Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding will attend the festivities. He says this is the second step in the history of the USS Pierre.
Harding says next comes the sea trials, which take about one year to complete.
Harding says the third step, the commissioning, will happen next year– providing the USS Pierre passes all of the requirements during the sea trials.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It will be a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
South Dakota Senator John Thune’s youngest daughter, Larissa Thune Hargens, is the sponsor of the USS Pierre.
Photo courtesy of the USS Pierre LCS 38 Facebook page, May 17, 2024.
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MARCH 27, 2024:
Representatives from the company building the United States Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) spent some time in South Dakota’s capitol city this week (March 26, 2024) to get some insight about the place the ship is named for.
Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs Larry Ryder says this was the first time he’s made this type of visit.
The Navy’s fleet of Freedom-variant ships– which were built by a different company– have had some issues with propulsion or weapons not working, but Ryder says Austal USA’s Independence-variant ships have had good success.
Although he got to tour the town, Ryder says it’s not the company that will personalize the ship with items reflecting Pierre.
The USS Pierre’s Keel Laying, or the official start of the shipbuilding process, happened last summer (June 16, 2023) in Alabama. The Christening, when the ship is put in the water for testing, is scheduled for this summer. The Commissioning, when the ship goes on active duty, is scheduled for 2025.
LCS 38 is the second United States naval vessel named for Pierre. The first was during World War II when the cargo vessel “SS Pierre Victory” (VC2-S-AP3) saw active service. The second was originally called “USS PC-1141,” which was a PC-461-class submarine chaser during World War II. She was renamed “USS Pierre” (PC-1141) in 1956. The ship was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in October 1958 and transferred to the Indonesian Navy.
The most recently activated naval vessel with ties to the state is the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) fast attack submarine. It officially joined the US Navy’s fleet Feb. 2, 2019.
The USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). South Dakota Senator John Thune’s youngest daughter, Larissa Thune Hargens, is the ship’s sponsor.
USS Pierre Commissioning Committee members include Mayor Steve Harding, Mike Mehlhaff, Jr., Eddie Hruska, Dennis Rounds, Chris Qualm and Patrick Callahan.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs Larry Ryder, Pierre Mayor Steve Harding, Commissioning Committee member Mike Mehlhaff and Austal USA Events and Protocol Manager Jessica Wofford.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Austal USA Events and Protocol Manager Jessica Wofford, Pierre Mayor Steve Harding and Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs Larry Ryder.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs Larry Ryder and Austal USA Events and Protocol Manager Jessica Wofford.
Photo credit to Patrick Callahan.
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MARCH 25, 2024:
Representatives from the company building the USS Pierre will be in South Dakota’s capitol city tomorrow to get some insight about the place the ship is named for.
Austal USA will be at the American Legion Cabin tomorrow (March 26, 2024) from noon-1:30pm. Those interested in meeting Austal representatives and learning more about the USS Pierre and its commissioning process are welcome to stop by.
Additionally, Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs Larry Ryder and Events and Protocol Manager Jessica Wofford will present information to the Pierre City Commission during their meeting tomorrow evening (5:30pm).
The USS Pierre, a Littoral Combat Ship, will eventually join the US Naval fleet to be used to protect and serve the country in near-shore efforts. There are three major steps in the shipbuilding process – the Keel Laying, the Christening, and the Commissioning. The Keel Laying, or the official start of the shipbuilding process, happened last summer in Alabama. The Christening, when the ship is put in the water for testing, is scheduled for this summer. The Commissioning, when the ship goes on active duty, is scheduled for 2025.
USS Pierre Commissioning Committee members include Mayor Steve Harding, Mike Mehlhaff, Jr., Eddie Hruska, Dennis Rounds, Chris Qualm and Patrick Callahan.
JANUARY 24, 2024:
There’s some new artwork being put up at Pierre’s City Hall.
Mayor Steve Harding says a painting of the USS Pierre with the South Dakota State Capitol Building in the background was revealed earlier this week (Jan. 22, 2024) during a legislative welcome event at the American Legion Cabin.
Harding says the USS Pierre christening will be held in May.
Harding says initial reaction to the painting has solicited some humor.
The United States Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It will be a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions. South Dakota Senator John Thune’s youngest daughter, Larissa Thune Hargens, is the sponsor of the USS Pierre.
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JUNE 19, 2023:
A keel laying ceremony for the USS Pierre (LCS 38) was held Friday (June 16, 2023) at the Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
One of the speakers was Pierre Mayor Steve Harding, who credited a particular group of people for getting the ship to this point.
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is from the Pierre/Fort Pierre area and is a members of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee.
South Dakota Senator John Thune shared some insight about the land-locked state’s connection to the Navy.
Thune’s youngest daughter, Larissa Thune Hargens, is the sponsor of the USS Pierre.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots). It will be a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
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JUNE 16, 2023:
A ceremony was held today (June 16, 2023) in Mobile, Alabama, for a United States Navy ship named after the capitol of South Dakota.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots).
The USS Pierre will be a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
Ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens.
USS Pierre Keel Laying Ceremony June 16, 2023.
Screenshot image from Austal USA livestream.
Ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens helping weld her initials onto a steel plate that will be attached to the ship.
USS Pierre Keel Laying Ceremony June 16, 2023.
Screenshot image from Austal USA livestream.
Hargens expressed her gratitude at having the sponsorship.
South Dakota Senator John Thune.
USS Pierre Keel Laying Ceremony June 16, 2023.
Screenshot image from Austal USA livestream.
Senator Thune spoke of the pride he has for his daughter.
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds.
USS Pierre Keel Laying Ceremony June 16, 2023.
Screenshot image from Austal USA livestream.
Senator Rounds said that he hopes that the shipbuilding industry remains strong and keeps growing.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding.
USS Pierre Keel Laying Ceremony June 16, 2023.
Screenshot image from Austal USA livestream.
Mayor Harding is heading the USS Pierre’s commissioning committee, and he talked of his enthusiasm for it and its members.
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JUNE 14, 2023:
A ceremony will be held Friday (June 16, 2023) in Mobile, Alabama, for a United States Navy ship named after the capitol of South Dakota.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of over 46mph (40+ knots).
Mayor Steve Harding says there are three major ceremonies that happen when the Navy builds a ship. The first is the Keel Laying Ceremony.
Harding says the next major ceremony for the USS Pierre is the Christening.
The Commissioning of the ship is the third and final occasion.
The ceremony will start at 10am CT. It will be livestreamed on the Austal USA Facebook page. Austal is the company building the ship.
The USS Pierre will be a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions.
The most recently activated naval vessel with ties to the state is the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) fast attack submarine. It officially joined the US Navy’s fleet Feb. 2, 2019.
USS Pierre Commissioning Committee member Mike Mehlhaff.
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MARCH 26, 2021:
South Dakota’s governor signed a bill this week (SB 93) that provides $100,000 for the commissioning process of a US Navy combat ship to be named the USS Pierre (LCS 38).
Rep. Mike Weisgram of Fort Pierre says there was some concern about using state monies.
Rep. Will Mortenson of Pierre says it’s a similar process as the USS South Dakota fast attack submarine went through several years ago.
The USS South Dakota (SSN 790) fast attack submarine officially joined the US Navy’s fleet Feb. 2, 2019.
Senator Mary Duvall of Pierre hopes the USS Pierre will serve as a bit of an educational tool.
The Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre will be 419 feet long and capable of operating at speeds of more than 46mph— or over 40 knots. The ship is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship, designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions. It will be built by Austal USA in Mobile, AL.
Image credit City of Pierre.
Image credit City of Pierre.
Image credit City of Pierre.
Pierre mayor Steve Harding shows a replica of the USS Pierre during the Dec. 18, 2020, city commission meeting.
Image credit City of Pierre.
FEBRUARY 5, 2019:
The US Navy will name its next Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) in honor of the capital city of South Dakota.
Pierre is the hometown of Sen. Mike Rounds, who says it’s an honor to have a Navy vessel named after the state’s capital city.
The ship will be 419 feet long and be capable of operating at speeds of more than 40 knots—or over 46mph.
The USS Pierre (LCS 38) announcement comes a few days after the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) fast attack submarine officially joined the US Navy’s fleet (Feb. 2, 2019).
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