The USS Beloit, a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, was commissioned on Saturday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, a trailblazing figure in American military history, honored as the ship’s sponsor. Anderson is celebrated as the first Black woman to achieve the rank of major general in the United States Army Reserve, a historic milestone she reached in 2011.
The honor of being a ship sponsor is a distinguished role assigned by the Secretary of the Navy, currently Carlos Del Toro. Sponsors are chosen based on their connection to the ship’s namesake or its mission, and Anderson’s ties to Beloit, Wisconsin—her hometown—made her an ideal choice. Beloit’s contributions to the U.S. Navy and Anderson’s remarkable legacy as a native of the city further cemented the connection.
Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wisconsin, emphasized the significance of Anderson’s role during the commissioning ceremony. “It is totally appropriate that we have our dear General Marcia Anderson being the sponsor of this great ship,” Moore said, acknowledging both Anderson’s groundbreaking achievements and Beloit’s historic contributions to naval efforts.
A Symbol of Strength and Service
The USS Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy, designed for adaptability and combat readiness. Following its successful acceptance trials in August 2024, the vessel was declared battle-ready by Cmdr. Jason Dejesus, the ship’s executive officer.
During the ceremony, Anderson concluded the event with the traditional call to action: “Man our ship and bring her to life.” The moment marked the activation of the ship’s systems and its official entry into service.
Maj. Gen. Anderson: A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Maj. Gen. Anderson’s military career spans nearly four decades, marked by numerous accolades, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Her journey began with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Creighton University, where she was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon her graduation in 1979.
Anderson’s commitment to service extended beyond the military. As a citizen-soldier, she balanced her role in the U.S. Army Reserve with a civilian career, earning a law degree from Rutgers University and serving as clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Madison, Wisconsin, until her retirement in 2019. Her military roles included training recruits, serving as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, and later as deputy chief of the Army Reserve at the Pentagon.
Her promotion to major general in 2011 not only broke barriers but also positioned her as the highest-ranked African American woman in the U.S. Army at the time. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, she has been honored with the Associate of the United States Army’s Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder Medal and induction into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame.
The USS Beloit serves as both a tribute to the city of Beloit and a testament to the extraordinary legacy of Maj. Gen. Anderson. Her life and career exemplify resilience, leadership, and the breaking of barriers, making her an inspiring figure in military and American history.
As the ship embarks on its mission, it carries not only advanced capabilities but also the spirit of a community and the groundbreaking achievements of a woman who has paved the way for future generations.
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