USS Beloit prepares for launch, City of Beloit filled with pride
“This community has had a long history of supporting the military through Fairbanks Morse defense and they make many of the engines that go in Navy ships and they had significant support during World War II, said Sarah Lock, Director of Strategic Communications for the City of Beloit. “For a town of under 37,000 people, to have our name on a Navy ship around the world is incredible.”
History:
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Kissinger said she and her crew are anticipating upcoming builders trials [sea trials] for the USS Beloit. It will be the biggest event for the ship since its christening and launch in June of 2022.
The combat vessel currently is docked in Marinette and the crew is stationed in May Port, Florida. However, in the first week in June the commander and crew are planning to take the vessel out on Lake Michigan for its first test runs.
She said the USS Beloit currently has a crew of about 50, but a full armament would be 94 crew members.
She did say that the Navy, like any branch of the military, is struggling with recruitment.
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The USS Beloit is named for the city of Beloit, Wisconsin in recognition of the citizens of Beloit and their long history and many contributions to the U.S. Navy and America’s national security. Fairbanks Morse is supplying the main propulsion engines for the USS Beloit (LCS 29), the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship. Major General Marcia M. Anderson (U.S. Army, Retired), a Beloit native, is the ship’s sponsor.
Based in Beloit, Fairbanks Morse has built engines for U.S. Navy ships for more than 80 years. Today, Fairbanks Morse engines are installed on approximately 80% of U.S. Navy ships that have a medium speed power application.
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[U.S. Navy Secretary Richard V.] Spencer said the name was chosen to honor the contributions the city has made to the U.S. Navy, namely engines built by Fairbanks Morse.
“From building engines for freedom-variant LCS to manufacturing components for the Ford-class aircraft carriers, the contributions of Beloit citizens make our Navy stronger, more capable, and more lethal,” Spencer said in a press release.
“The City of Beloit has a proud history of supporting the Navy and the U.S. military. Citizens of Beloit have selflessly served in our Armed Forces, and companies like Fairbanks Morse that call the city home—and boast patriotic workforces that are second to none—have ensured for generations that our servicemembers can safely and successfully complete their missions,” said Senator Baldwin. “So I was thrilled to champion this effort to recognize Beloit’s support of the U.S. Navy and our national defense. The naming of a Navy ship is a significant honor steeped in tradition, and I want to thank Secretary Spencer for working with me on this exciting decision.”
“The city and citizens of Beloit have been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “From building engines for freedom-variant LCSs to manufacturing components for the Ford-class aircraft carriers, the contributions of Beloit citizens make our Navy stronger, more capable, and more lethal. I am proud to name the next ship in honor of the city and citizens of Beloit.”
“The City of Beloit is greatly honored by the U.S. Navy’s recognition of this region’s long-standing commitment to supporting the military. We take great pride in the men and women of our community who have dedicated themselves to our nation’s security, whether it is through military service or behind-the-scenes work at companies like Fairbanks Morse. Fairbanks Morse has a significant history of contributing to the Navy, including when it put its locomotive business on hold to manufacture 1,650 engines in support of the nation’s World War II efforts. This recognition of Fairbanks Morse’s patriotism is well deserved,” said Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis.
The relationship among the City of Beloit, Fairbanks Morse, and the Navy began in 1938, when Fairbanks Morse sold its first engine to the Navy. The City of Beloit greatly supported Fairbanks Morse’s wartime efforts by building new housing developments, establishing new bus lines to bring in workers from adjacent communities and helping women join the workforce. Similarly, the Beloit community played a significant role in the war effort though the founding of the Council of Defense, which organized fundraising, scrap metal drives, civilian defense initiatives in case of blackouts and air raids, and the training of blackout workers and volunteers.
“Fairbanks Morse has over 125 years of history in Beloit and shares a very special relationship with the United States Navy, so we are extremely proud that LCS 29 will be officially named the USS Beloit to pay tribute to our long and significant association with the U.S. Navy beginning with World War II. I would also like to express our appreciation of Senator Baldwin’s efforts advocating for this honor that every citizen of Beloit and every Fairbanks employee will be proud of,” said Fairbanks Morse President Deepak Navnith.
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