MOBILE, A.L.(KCCR)- The U-S-S Pierre is floating in the Gulf of Mexico.  Littoral Combat Ship 38 was christened Saturday morning in a ceremony at shipbuilder Austal U-S-A in Mobile, Alabama.  The Pierre’s sponsor, Larissa Thune Hargens donning safety goggles and gloves smashed a champagne bottle over the ship’s bow.

Thune-Hargans says Pierre, the city, reflects the values of Pierre, the ship.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says his daughter will use her life experiences missing time with her dad to connect to Pierre’s crew.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding says the crest of the Pierre ties the ship to the city.

The Pierre will go through months of sea trials before Austal hands the keys over to the U-S Navy in a Commissioning ceremony set for San Diego, California next year.