PANAMA CITY, F.L.(KCCR)- The U-S-S Pierre officially joined the fleet of the United States Navy Saturday morning with a traditional Commissioning Ceremony at Port Panama City Florida. After 45 minutes of comments from dignitaries, Commander Justin Guernsey made an ask of Secretary of the Navy Tjohn Phelan.

After the posting of Pierre’s Commissioning pennants, an international naval tradition dating back tot he 1700’s Guernsey read his orders to the crowd of 35-hundred seated before the ship.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding presented a long glass to the ship’s Officer of the Deck.

Ship sponsor Larrisa Thune Hargens, daughter of South Dakota Senator John Thune ordered the sailors onboard.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding says the Crew of the Pierre will always have a second home in South Dakota’s State Capitol.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says it’s fitting the Pierre’s crest features two walleye on either side.

United States Navy Secretary John Phelan says the ceremony is more than just naval tradition.

The Commissioning was complete with a cameo from the U-S Air Force with a flyover from an F-35 fighter jet from nearby Tyndall Air Force Base just down the coast.

With the U-S-S Pierre now commissioned and in active duty in the U-S Navy, it’s mine sweeping mission is set to get underway.  Littoral Combat Ship number 38 is getting noticed by other nations according to Florida Senator Ashley Moore.

Senator John Thune says the U-S-S Pierre will enhance and improve the defense of America.

Secretary of the Navy Phelan delivered a special message to the residents of Pierre during the event.

The Pierre is leaving Panama City with a crew of 110 and operate with a crew of approximately 70.