US Navy commissions newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Beloit

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Beloit (LCS 29) on November 23, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As disclosed, USS Beloit completed 19 certifications in seven weeks after moving onboard and successfully passed each certification the first go-round, scoring “above the navy’s standards for the LCS community” including completing their Light off Assessment (LOA) in less than a week.

The vessel will be equipped with over the horizon – weapons system (OTH-WS) naval strike missile (NSM).  This will include the MK 70 payload delivery system (PDS) which uses MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS) technology to provide mid-range precision fire capabilities.

The MK 70 enables rapid deployment of offensive capability to non-traditional platforms and locations, according to the officials.

“Beloit will play a key role in implementing the Chief of Naval Operations’ strategy as a platform with a crew ready with the right capabilities, weapons, sustainment, and training deterring our adversaries and ready to fight,” Adm. James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, said.

Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) commissioned in the United States Navy and the first to be commissioned in naval service to bear this namesake.

USS Beloit (LCS 29) was built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin, then named on February 10, 2018, and authorized on October 10, 2018.

It was christened on May 7, 2022, and completed acceptance trials the following year. The ship was delivered to the U.S. Navy on September 30, 2024.