Additional Coverage:
- See aboard the USS Beloit, the Navy’s new $500 million littoral combat ship upgraded to fight near coastlines (newsbreak.com)
New Littoral Combat Ship Commissioned for Navy
The US Navy has commissioned its latest warship, the USS Beloit, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The $500 million ship is designed for both shallow and open waters.
Improvements and Upgrades
The Beloit features upgraded engineering and combat systems, addressing concerns that have plagued the Freedom-class ships. These enhancements include a more reliable propulsion system and advanced weaponry, such as the Naval Strike Missile.
Troubled Past
The Navy has faced challenges with its littoral combat ships, including maintenance issues and structural flaws. Several Freedom-class ships have been retired prematurely. However, the Navy believes that the improvements made to the Beloit have resolved these problems.
Versatile Fighter
The Beloit is a fast and agile vessel, capable of reaching speeds of over 46 miles per hour. Its spacious hangar can accommodate helicopters and drones, while its flight deck is larger than traditional surface combatants. The ship is armed with various weapons, including a 57mm gun and anti-ship missiles.
Historical Sponsor
The ship’s sponsor, retired Maj. Gen.
Marcia Anderson, is the first Black woman to achieve that rank in the Army. Her hometown is Beloit, and she is proud of the city’s contributions to national security.
Personnel and Mascot
The Beloit’s core crew consists of 50 sailors, with a capacity for up to 98. Its battle flag features a badger, Wisconsin’s state animal, and its mascot is named Rocky, after the Rock River in Beloit.