Helping Launch the Navy’s Newest Submarine
USS South Dakota
Being involved in the commissioning of a U.S. Navy submarine is a pretty rare opportunity. But being involved in the commissioning of a U.S. Navy submarine that is named after our home state? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Team Synergy
- Team STEVE
- 2016-2019

In 2016, the L&S team was invited to join the Commissioning Committee in preparing for the events surrounding the keel laying, christening and commissioning of what was then known as PCU South Dakota (SSN 790). Over the course of the next three years, L&S worked with the committee on a variety of collateral materials and PR efforts to support the boat’s journey to becoming a fully-fledged, commissioned submarine of the U.S. Navy.
Marketing Materials Help Make History
We created press releases, banners, website content and more for the variety of events leading to the historic commissioning, including the boat’s christening, keel laying and the American flag relay, where motorcyclists relayed an American flag across the state in celebration of the boat’s christening.


L&S also designed many commemorative items like pistol artwork, stickers, pins, booklets, posters and flyers.






Our team had the opportunity to be present at all the major events in the submarine’s life to help with coordination, PR efforts and marketing support.
Our team had the opportunity to be present at all major events in the submarine’s life




An Event to Elevate SD Pride
The USS South Dakota (SSN 790) was commissioned on February 2, 2019, and was celebrated with a week-long event in Groton, CT, that generated pride across the entire nation. With more than 3,000 people in attendance, the event featured videos celebrating the submarine and the state of South Dakota, as well as speeches from former Lt. Governor Matt Michels, Governor Kristi Noem, Congressman Dusty Johnson and Senator Mike Rounds. Our team is honored to have worked on such an unforgettable project.