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USS Pierre Commissioning Ceremony Event Set for November 15 in Panama City, FL

PANAMA CITY, FL — [October 15, 2025] — The USS Pierre (LCS 38) Commissioning Committee, in partnership with the U.S. Navy, Naval Commissioning Team, and Navy League of Panama City/Bay County Council, invites local and regional media outlets to help share the story of a rare and historic event: the official commissioning of the USS Pierre (LCS 38) on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Port Panama City.

This distinguished ceremony marks the formal entry of the USS Pierre into active service within the U.S. Navy fleet — a once-in-a-generation tradition that celebrates naval heritage, community partnership, and national pride.

A Historic Moment for the Navy and the Gulf Coast

  1. Final of its kind: The USS Pierre is the nineteenth and final Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship to be built.
  2. Honoring its namesake: Named after Pierre, South Dakota, it is the third Navy vessel to carry the name, following the SS Pierre Victory and a World War II submarine chaser.
  3. Ship sponsor: Larissa Thune Hargens, a South Dakota native, will deliver the time-honored command to “man our ship and bring her to life!”
  4. Fleet mission: After commissioning, the ship will join the active fleet in San Diego, enhancing maritime security, deterrence, and forward presence around the world.

The event will feature full Navy pageantry, with the crew reporting aboard, ceremonial honors, and the raising of the ship’s colors — accompanied by civic, military, and community leaders from across the nation.

Community Celebration & Sponsorship Opportunities

While the Navy funds the formal commissioning ceremony itself, community events surrounding the week are supported by local sponsorships and charitable contributions through the USS Pierre Commissioning Committee and the Navy League of the US Panama City/Bay County Council.

Most sponsorship levels include access to exclusive commissioning week events and opportunities to connect with Navy leadership, dignitaries, and the ship’s crew.

Interested sponsors and supporters can learn more at www.uss-pierre.com