COMMISSIONING OF USS BELOIT (LCS 29)

November 23, 2024, was a cloudy cold day at Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park where 3,000 guests gathered to witness the commissioning of USS BELOIT (LCS 29).This is the first ship to bear the name BELIOT. Construction of the ship began in July 2020 and the ship was christened on May 7, 2022.Platform participants included Admiral Jim Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Representative Gwen Moore (WI), Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI), ship sponsor MGEN Marcia Anderson (USAR), Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers, and Commanding Officer USS BELOIT, CDR LeAndra Kissinger.

Representative Gwen Moore welcomed the crowd to Lake Michigan and recognized ship sponsor Marcia Anderson. She also talked about the city of Beloit’s role in women and industry with the Fairbanks Morris plant that helped serve in WWII and today. She noted that today’s ceremony was symbolic of breathing life into the ship.

Admiral Kilby talked about how the Navy is in higher demand than ever. He challenged the crew to make the ship successful. He talked about vendor Fairbanks Morris, based in Beloit, fueling our Navy for over 100 years. He recognized the ship sponsor as a representative of women serving the area over the years.

Senator Tammy Baldwin noted the “made in Wisconsin” brand will be recognized world-wide as USS BELOIT deploys around the globe. She spoke fondly about her friendship with ship sponsor, Marcia Anderson, as both used to commute between Wisconsin and Washington DC. She noted that Marcia was the first black woman to be promoted to MGEN in the Army Reserve and how Marcia is a proud Beloit native and the perfect ship sponsor.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro also thanked MGEN Anderson (Ret) for serving as ship sponsor and noted that her spirit will guide the ship for life.

Governor Tony Evers thanked the Navy for the partnership with the city of Beloit and the ship. He noted that the city is a testament to the past and a focus for the future. He commented that the state of Wisconsin will always support the sailors of USS BELOIT.

Commander LeAndra Kissinger (Commanding Officer (CO) USS BELIOT) asked the Secretary of the Navy to place the ship in commission. After the commissioning pennant was hoisted, she invited ship sponsor, Marcia Anderson, to give the command to bring the ship to life. Marcia took the podium and stated “as a proud daughter of the city of Beloit and the state of Wisconsin, shipmates, officers, and crew – man our ship and bring her to life.” The crew responded “Aye, aye ma’am” and proceed to run aboard. As they approached the ship, they were greeted by the CO and the Command Senior Chief. Once they manned the rails, the ship systems began activating to the delight of the crowd. Commander Kissinger recognized the crew at the heart and soul of the vessel. She asked them to lead with humility. She also recognized the families of the “badger” crew.

Contributed by Allison Stiller

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member