BELOIT, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES
09.09.2026
Story by Lt.j.g. Riley Gavigan.
BELOIT, WI (September 6, 2026) – U.S. Navy Sailors from the Freedom class littoral combat ship USS Beloit (LCS 29) traveled to Beloit, Wisconsin, over Labor Day weekend to honor the ship’s namesake city and strengthen ties with the community through a series of engagements with local residents, students, veterans, and city leaders.
Beloit is one of the smallest cities in America to have a U.S. Navy warship named in its honor, a recognition of the city’s outsized contribution to the nation’s defense industry over generations. Commissioned November 23, 2024, in Milwaukee, USS Beloit is the first commissioned Navy ship to bear the city’s name, and Wisconsin leaders have pointed to the state’s long shipbuilding legacy as central to that honor. The ship’s motto, “Forward for Freedom,” reflects both its Freedom class heritage and its ties to the Wisconsin community that shares its name.
“We are so fortunate to have a close-knit community in Beloit, Wisconsin who continues to support not only our ship, but also other US Navy platforms that have engines manufactured in Beloit. The Beloit residents welcomed us with open arms.” said Cmdr. Jason DeJesus Commanding Officer, USS Beloit (LCS 29). “We are so lucky to have our USS Beloit Legacy Foundation that scheduled multiple events across the city ensuring there was an opportunity for everyone to interact with the crew.”
Read the full article from DVIDS here.