| By Big Radio News Staff |

It’s “Anchors Aweigh” for the USS Beloit.

The crew brought the Navy’s newest littoral combat ship to life during a commissioning ceremony Saturday morning on the shore of Lake Michigan at Veterans Park in Milwaukee at the behest of ship sponsor Army Major General Marcia Anderson. She’s a native of Beloit who is the first Black woman to reach the rank of major general in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Top military brass, elected officials, and industry representatives touted the maritime history of Wisconsin and of Beloit. For nearly 100 years, the city has been home to Fairbanks Morse Defense, a manufacturer of warship engines.

Ceremony speakers also made a point to acknowledge all Beloiters who have gone into military service and the women who worked at Fairbanks Morse during World War Two.

Littoral combat ships like the Beloit are known for their speed and versatility close to shore and in the open ocean.