USS Pierre christened in Alabama Saturday before heading to homeport of San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A brand new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is heading to San Diego after its christening in Mobile, Alabama.

The future USS Pierre (LCS 38) was christened on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in front of over 400 people, the ship’s sponsor, Larissa Thune Hargens, and the ship’s manufacturer — Austal USA.

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Hargens can be seen below christening the USS Pierre with the ceremonial bottle break over the bow on Saturday.

A native of South Dakota, Hargens graduated from Bethel University, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history.

Hargens has held several positions with the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota and currently owns her own LLC, Red Writer, where she does freelance marketing and social media.

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Her grandfather was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18) on the USS Intrepid (CV-11) during World War II, and her father is U.S. Senator John Thune.

Key speakers at the USS Pierre christening ceremony included Vice Admiral Morley, USN, Commander Naval Sea Systems Command; Rear Admiral Anderson, USN, Program Executive Office Ships; U.S. Senator John Thune representing South Dakota; and Austal USA President Michelle Kruger.

“It is truly an honor for PEO USC to have led the construction of this remarkable class of ships,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC). “Built by an industry team lead by Austal USA, the Littoral Combat Ship stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in naval shipbuilding. As we christen the USS Pierre, we also celebrate the extraordinary crews that will sail this ship, employing the capabilities and versatility of the Littoral Combat Ship class, which will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s interests now and for years to come.”

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The USS Pierre is the second ship to be named in honor of the capital city of South Dakota.

The first USS Pierre, a World War II PC class submarine chaser, was commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1958.

USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be homeported in San Diego, deploying to the INDO-PACOM region, according to the US Navy.

Austal USA is a ship manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Alabama. The company is under contract for several programs, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), and the U.S. Navy TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance ship, Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessel, Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ship (T-ATS), Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM), and Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programs.

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“One of my proudest moments since joining Austal USA, was looking out into the audience today and seeing the many talented Austal USA employees and other Navy and industry guests who are responsible for the success of the LCS program,” stated Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “Austal USA has grown from a small commercial shipyard to a large, advanced defense ship manufacturer primarily thanks to the Indy-variant LCS program.  Christening this ship, the last Austal USA-built LCS, makes me a bit nostalgic but I know, for this company and the great team we’ve assembled, the future is bright and limitless.”

The USS Pierre is Austal USA’s 19th Independence-variant LCS, and the last LCS to be christened.

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The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats, and capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence, according to the US Navy.

The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two separate industry teams. The Independence-variant team is led by Austal USA.

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