Proclamation recognizes Fairbanks Morse and citizens of Beloit for contributions to U.S. Navy

BELOIT, Wis. – Fairbanks Morse, a leading provider of solutions that are powering the world forward, is pleased to announce that Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed Oct. 9 as USS Beloit Day in Wisconsin.

“All of us at Fairbanks Morse are incredibly proud to be recognized, alongside the citizens of Beloit, for the more than 80 years we have provided the critical equipment that helps bring our U.S. Navy servicemen and servicewomen home safely,” said George Whittier, CEO of Fairbanks Morse.

The USS Beloit is named for the city of Beloit, Wisconsin in recognition of the citizens of Beloit and their long history and many contributions to the U.S. Navy and America’s national security. Fairbanks Morse is supplying the main propulsion engines for the USS Beloit (LCS 29), the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship. Major General Marcia M. Anderson (U.S. Army, Retired), a Beloit native, is the ship’s sponsor.

Based in Beloit, Fairbanks Morse has built engines for U.S. Navy ships for more than 80 years. Today, Fairbanks Morse engines are installed on approximately 80% of U.S. Navy ships that have a medium speed power application.

At the time of the announcement of the naming of the USS Beloit, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who advocated for naming the LCS 29 for the City of Beloit said, “The City of Beloit has a proud history of supporting the Navy and the U.S. military. Citizens of Beloit have selflessly served in our Armed Forces, and companies like Fairbanks Morse that call the city home—and boast patriotic workforces that are second to none—have ensured for generations that our servicemembers can safely and successfully complete their missions.” 

The USS Beloit will be constructed by Lockheed Martin with Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The ship will be 387 feet long, have a beam length of 57.4 feet and travel at speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Full text of the proclamation:

WHEREAS; on October 9, 2018, it was announced that one of the future littoral combat ships of the United States Navy would be named the USS Beloit, after the southern Wisconsin city; and

WHEREAS; the first commissioned ship in naval service to be named after Beloit, the USS Beloit is currently under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette; and

WHEREAS; according to U.S. Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer, the ship’s name was chosen to honor the many contributions that the city of Beloit has made to the Navy, including engines built by Fairbanks Morse; and

WHEREAS; today, the state of Wisconsin joins all Wisconsinites in celebrating the naming of the USS Beloit and in honoring the contributions of the ship’s namesake city to the strength and capability of the U.S. Navy;

NOW THEREFORE; I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2020, as

USS BELOIT DAY

throughout the State of Wisconsin and I commend this observance to all our state’s residents.