First Black Woman Major General Honored as Sponsor for USS Beloit for US Marine Corps

In a historic moment for the US Marine Corps, Retired Maj. Gen. Marcia M. Anderson, the first African American woman to achieve the rank of major general in the U.S. Army Reserve, was honored as the sponsor of the USS Beloit. The commissioning ceremony for this new littoral combat ship took place on Saturday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was marked by the presence of Anderson, a trailblazer whose life and career have left a lasting legacy in both military and civilian spheres.

A Historic Milestone for Both Anderson and the USS Beloit

Named after Anderson’s hometown of Beloit, Wisconsin, the USS Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship commissioned in the United States Navy. The ship honors the contributions of the city of Beloit to the Navy, and its commissioning marks a significant moment for the Navy and the state of Wisconsin.

Anderson’s remarkable journey began in 1979 when she received her commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from Creighton University. Over nearly four decades of service, she earned prestigious awards such as the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. In 2011, she made history with her promotion to major general, becoming the highest-ranked African American woman in the U.S. Army at the time.

At the commissioning ceremony, Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin praised Anderson as a “groundbreaker” and celebrated her connection to both the Navy and the Beloit community. Anderson’s role as the sponsor for the USS Beloit is a fitting tribute to her groundbreaking career and the contributions of Beloit to the Navy’s rich history.

The USS Beloit is now fully battle-ready, and Anderson’s legacy as a leader in the military and advocate for women in the armed forces continues to inspire future generations.