Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Pierre...... read more read more
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Sailors from the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Pierre (LCS 38) visited Pierre, South Dakota, June 28 through July 5, to provide Sailors the opportunity to learn about the history, values, and accomplishments of their namesake. During the visit, the crew engaged with residents, veterans, and civic organizations. Participants were also able to connect with their namesake communities, share personal experiences, and express appreciation for their support. The Chair of the Commissioning Committee, Mike Mehlhaff, worked closely with the crew to coordinate a comprehensive schedule of tours and public meet-and-greet events between the City of Pierre and namesake visit participants. He organized activities to include a tour of the state capital, a meeting with Governor Larry Rhoden, engagement with Feeding South Dakota, KCCR radio interview, and an opportunity for the Sailors to interact with children from the Pierre area at the local Boys and Girls Club. Additional events included a city hall meeting, a meet-and-greet with the public at Pierre’s American Legion post, participation in the 4th of July parade at Fort Pierre, and the unveiling of the national ensign at the local rodeo. “Every interaction that we have, we are blown away by the hospitality and friendships that we form with everybody,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Justin Gurnsey, commanding officer of USS Pierre, during a radio interview with Zach Nelson on KCCR. “We are at the point where we have a lot of repeat visitors that really want to get back out here and see all the friends that they have met.” Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/ on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/littoralcombatshipsquadron1/
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2026 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 570948 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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