US Navy christens newest Freedom-variant LCS USS Beloit

The US Navy has christened its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Beloit (LCS 29), during a ceremony held at Marinette, Wisconsin.

LCS 29 is the 15th Freedom-variant LCS and 29th in the LCS class. It is the first ship named in honor of the city of Beloit, Wisconsin.

“The future USS Beloit will be the first U.S. Navy ship honoring the proud naval contributions of Beloit, Wisconsin,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

“I have no doubt the Sailors of USS Beloit (LCS 29) will stand the watch with pride and be ready to respond to any mission, wherever, and whenever, there is a need.”

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environment. The platform is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom and the Independence, designed and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team, or odd-numbered hulls, constructed in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, for LCS 2 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls.

Lockheed Martin, together with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, started the construction of USS Beloit in July 2020.