The U-S-S Pierre officially joined the United States Navy fleet Saturday during a traditional Commissioning Ceremony at Port Panama City Florida. Following comments from numerous dignitaries, Commander Justin Guernsey made a request to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. “Secretary Phelan, I would be honored if you would place Pierre in commission,” said Guernsey. “On behalf of the President of the United States, I hereby place United States Ship Pierre in commission. May God bless all and guide this warship and all who shall sail on her,” replied Phelan.
Ship sponsor Larrisa Thune Hargens, daughter of Senator John Thune ordered the sailors onboard. “Officers and crew of the U.S.S. Pierre, man our ship and bring her to life,” said Thune Hargens. “Aye,aye ma’am!’ the crew replied and ran up the gangway to take their place on their ship.
A flyover from an F-35 fighter jet from nearby Tyndall Air Force Base topped off the USS Pierre’s commissioning.
Thanks to Zach Nelson-KCCR Radio, Pierre