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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A brand new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is heading to San Diego after a christening ceremony in Mobile, Alabama.
The future USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be christened on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in front of more than 400 spectators, the ship’s sponsor Larissa Thun Hagens, and the ship’s manufacturer Austal USA. It was done.
Hagens is seen below christening the USS Pierre with a ceremonial bottle break on the ship’s bow on Saturday.
A native of South Dakota, Hagens graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history.
Ms. Hagens has held several positions at the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota and currently owns her own LLC, Redlighter, where she handles freelance marketing and social media.
Her grandfather received the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding service during World War II, flying with the 18th Fighter Squadron (VF-18) on the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Her father is U.S. Senator John Thune.
Featured speakers at the christening of USS Pierre included Vice Admiral Morley, Commander, Naval Sea Systems; U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Anderson, Program Secretariat Ship. U.S. Sen. John Thune represents South Dakota. and Austal USA President Michelle Kruger.
“PEO USC is truly honored to lead the construction of this remarkable class of ships,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, unmanned small combatant program executive officer (PEO USC). “Littoral Combat Ships built by an industry team led by Austal USA are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in naval shipbuilding.” Congratulations to the extraordinary crew who sail this ship for its versatility and versatility, and will continue to play a vital role in protecting our nation’s interests now and for years to come. ”
USS Pierre is the second ship to be named after South Dakota’s capital.
The first USS Pierre was a World War II PC-class submarine chaser commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1958.
According to the U.S. Navy, the USS Pierre (LCS 38) will be homeported in San Diego and will be deployed to the Pacom region of India.
Austal USA is a shipbuilding manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Alabama. The company operates the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class offshore patrol cutter (OPC), the U.S. Navy’s TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance vessel, landing craft utility (LCU) vessel, Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF), and Navajo-class towed salvage rescue ship. (T-ATS), Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium Auxiliary Ship (AFDM), and Independent Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programs.
“One of my proudest moments since joining Austal USA was to look out into the audience today and recognize the many talented Austal USA employees and other Navy and industry members who are responsible for the success of the LCS program. guests,” said Michelle Krueger, president of Austal USA. . “Austal USA has grown from a small commercial shipyard to a large, advanced defense vessel manufacturer, thanks in large part to the Invariant LCS program. While naming it makes me a little nostalgic, I know the future is bright and limitless for this company and the great team we have assembled.”
USS Pierre is Austal USA’s 19th independent LCS and the last LCS to be named.
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-littoral environments to defeat 21st century littoral threats and provide forward presence, maritime security, and sea supremacy. , can support deterrence. According to the US Navy.
The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independent, designed and built by two different industry teams. The Independence Variant team is led by Austal USA.
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