Senator Tammy Baldwin's office issued the following:


10.24.18

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces Beloit Native Major General Marcia Anderson to Serve as Ship Sponsor of the USS Beloit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced that Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer has named retired U.S. Army Major General Marcia Anderson to be the sponsor of the future USS Beloit. General Anderson is a proud native of Beloit and in 2011 became the first African American woman to be promoted to Army Major General.

“General Anderson has done a great service to Wisconsin and to this nation with her extraordinary, trailblazing career in the U.S. military,” said Senator Baldwin. “I can think of no better person to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Beloit, supporting the ship’s launch and commissioning and building a special relationship with the ship’s crew. This is another exciting day for the city of Beloit and a recognition of the city’s commitment to strengthening our national security.”


“The opportunity to help the Navy recognize Beloit’s history and contributions to our National Defense is an honor and a privilege,” said Major General Marcia Anderson (U.S. Army, ret.). “Now, more people will know what those who call Beloit home already know - it represents America at its best.”

General Anderson retired from Army Reserve in 2016 after a 36 year career serving in multiple command and leadership positions, including as Deputy Chief, Army Reserve where she oversaw an $8 billion budget and more than 220,000 soldiers and civilians. An attorney by training, she has been employed by the United States courts for more than 25 years, and currently serves as Clerk of United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, where she is responsible for two offices that manage and administer bankruptcy cases for 44 counties.


Earlier this month, Baldwin announced that the newest Freedom variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will be named the USS Beloit to honor the City of Beloit for its contributions to the U.S. Navy and America’s national security. Senator Baldwin advocated for naming LCS 29 after the City of Beloit to recognize this community’s longstanding commitment to Wisconsin’s maritime economy and our nation’s defense. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has consistently worked to secure funding for the LCS program, including the future USS Beloit, which will be built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.