Overview
- USS Pierre was commissioned on Nov. 15 in Panama City, Florida, where Navy Secretary John Phelan presided and noted it is the 19th and final Independence-variant LCS.
- Ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens delivered the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life” as the crew ran aboard.
- Cmdr. Justin Guernsey commands the vessel, which fields a crew of 112.
- The Navy highlights mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare supported by a flexible mission bay and flight deck for helicopters, unmanned systems and small boats.
- Dignitaries and industry leaders, including Austal USA’s president, attended the ceremony, and the crew plans to depart next week for a multi-stop transit to San Diego with arrival expected in December.