U.S. Navy Commissions USS Pierre, Honoring South Dakota’s Capital

The United States Navy has commissioned its newest combat ship, the USS Pierre, named after the city of Pierre, South Dakota. Larissa Thune Hargens, the ship’s sponsor and daughter of Sen. John Thune, gave the crew the order to bring the ship to life. The Sailors of the USS Pierre visited Pierre in September 2024 to learn about the city’s history and received a tour from Mayor Steve Harding. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Mayor Harding, and Sen. Thune.