MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Seaman Maxwell De la Rosa, a native of Anaheim, California, serving aboard USS Beloit, recently took part in a visit to the ship’s namesake, Beloit, Wisconsin, from Sept. 4-7 to honor the ship’s connection to the region.
De la Rosa graduated from Blythewood High School in 2019.
“My hometown is a very busy city where you are constantly meeting new people from all different walks of life, which gave me an innate desire to talk to and find out more about the people I meet every day,” De la Rosa said.
De la Rosa joined the Navy two years ago.
“At least one member of my family has served in the military in every generation,” De la Rosa said. “My grandfather served in the Navy, and my father served in the Air Force for eight years. Even in World War II, my family had someone serve in the Army as an officer.”
Today, De la Rosa serves as an information systems technician.
“My favorite part of being an information systems technician is that I get to assist all the different departments on the ship achieve success,” De la Rosa said. “By troubleshooting their computers or just volunteering when they need assistance with different evolutions.”
During the visit, eight sailors participated in a variety of public events, including meeting with the public at the Beloit Farmer’s Market, touring The Lincoln Academy to engage with Navy Junior ROTC students, and attending a Beloit Sky Carp baseball game. The crew also participated in community outreach activities with the City Council, Beloit Senior Living, local schools, and veterans at the local VFW post.
This visit provided an opportunity for the local community to engage with their U.S. Navy and witness firsthand the professionalism and commitment of its sailors, while also giving the crew a chance to learn more about their ship’s namesake and build upon this meaningful connection with their commissioning committee and local businesses, including Fairbanks Morse.
USS Beloit is the first U.S. Navy ship to be named for the city of Beloit. A littoral combat ship, Beloit is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
De la Rosa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment has been being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” De la Rosa said.
De la Rosa serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means that I not only am I contributing to my country, but that I’m protecting my family by being a part of the strongest Navy in the world,” De la Rosa said.
De la Rosa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/
For more information about USS Beloit, visit the ship’s official webpage at https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcs29/. To follow the crew’s updates, follow the ship’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/USS-Beloit-LCS-29-100067506126987/.