Forward For Freedom! USS Beloit Crew Returns to Namesake

When the sleek, steel hull of the 387-foot USS Beloit moored flush against the lakefront pier of Milwaukee’s Veterans Park on November 23, 2024, thousands of exuberant visitors were there to greet her.

The vibe was deeply respectful. A proud and patriotic celebration of the first ever commissioned warship to bear the name Beloit; an homage to its longstanding tradition of manufacturing excellence, service, and innovation.

The ceremony came to an emotional crescendo as the ship’s sponsor, Army Maj. Gen. Marcia M. Anderson gave the time honored order, “Man our ship and bring her to life!”

On cue, the radars spun up. Gun mounts moved. The ship’s sirens wailed. And the crew, breaking their crisp, silent formation, sprinted aboard as the Navy Band Great Lakes played Anchors Aweigh. The crowd rose to a standing ovation and the $500 million warship was officially placed into active service. 

Come Meet the Crew!

Eight members of the crew, including Commander Jason DeJesus, will be returning to Beloit over the Labor Day weekend for a special meet and greet hosted by the USS Beloit Legacy Foundation.

"The bond between the City of Beloit and the USS Beloit continues long after the ship's commissioning," said Drew Pennington, board member of the USS Beloit Legacy Foundation in an official press release. “This visit is an opportunity for residents to meet the sailors who serve aboard our namesake ship and celebrate the unique relationship between the crew and our community.”

Schedule of Events

Residents of all ages are invited to join the crew for the following events:

Saturday, September 5

10 a.m. – Meet and Greet at the Beloit Farmers Market, Downtown Beloit
Swing by and meet members of the USS Beloit crew! You’ll learn more about life aboard the vessel and also get to hear firsthand about their service.

1 p.m. – Pickleball at Wootton Park, 1451 4th St
Pack up your paddle and hit the courts for some friendly competition with the crew!

6 p.m. – USS Beloit Night at the Beloit Sky Carp Game
Join the crew at ABC Supply Stadium for USS Beloit Night! Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the USS Beloit Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fueling a powerful, lifelong bond between the crew of the USS Beloit and the Greater Beloit community. Don’t miss the fireworks show after the game. Tickets can be purchased on the Sky Carp’s website.

Sunday, September 6

10:30 a.m. – Playground Visit at Turtle Island Playground, Riverside Park
Bring the kiddos to one of Beloit’s favorite playgrounds to meet the crew. 

Proud to Showcase Beloit’s World Class Industry

The Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) is proud to welcome the USS Beloit crew back to her namesake city, a vessel that honors our community’s world-class heavy manufacturing capabilities, industrial heritage, and economic vitality.

We hope to see you during the Labor Day celebration with the crew!