The USS Beloit, a cutting-edge littoral combat ship, officially joined the U.S. Navy fleet this past Saturday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event wasn’t just about the ship—it was also a moment to celebrate its sponsor, Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, a true trailblazer in U.S. military history.
Maj. Gen. Anderson isn’t just any sponsor; she’s a symbol of breaking barriers. Back in 2011, she made history as the first African American woman to achieve the rank of major general in the U.S. Army Reserve. Her rise to that position made her the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army at the time, earning her national recognition and admiration.
In the Navy, ship sponsors are carefully chosen, and Anderson’s connection to the USS Beloit goes beyond her military achievements. She was born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin—the town the ship is named after—and she’s deeply tied to its legacy. Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin summed it up perfectly during the ceremony, saying, “It feels absolutely right that someone as inspiring as Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson is the sponsor of this incredible ship.”
The USS Beloit, the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship in the Navy, represents the city of Beloit’s contributions to maritime history. The ship passed its final tests in August 2024, proving it’s ready for action. “This ship is tested and battle-ready,” said Cmdr. Jason Dejesus, the ship’s executive officer, adding that the crew is honored to represent Beloit’s rich history.
Maj. Gen. Anderson’s story is one of grit and determination. She began her military journey at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). After earning her commission in 1979, she served as a second lieutenant before transitioning to the Army Reserve, where she climbed the ranks while balancing a career in the private sector. Along the way, she earned a law degree from Rutgers University and worked as a clerk for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Madison, Wisconsin, for nearly three decades.
Her military career was filled with impressive milestones. In 2010, she took a year off from her civilian job to fully dedicate herself to active military service, becoming the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. The following year, she was promoted to major general, eventually taking on a pivotal role at the Pentagon as deputy chief of the Army Reserve.
After retiring from the Army in 2016, Anderson’s impact didn’t fade. She’s been recognized with numerous awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the prestigious Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder Medal. In 2021, she was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a pioneer.
During the commissioning ceremony, Anderson performed one of the most anticipated traditions, calling out, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” With that command, the USS Beloit’s systems roared to life, ready to take on its mission.
For Beloit and the Navy, the USS Beloit isn’t just a ship—it’s a testament to the spirit of its namesake city and the groundbreaking achievements of its sponsor. As Maj. Gen. Anderson stood on deck, it was clear this was more than a military milestone—it was a celebration of progress, resilience, and the power of breaking barriers.