MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. j.g. Shelby Watkins, a native of Carlisle, Kentucky, 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.
Watkins graduated from Nicholas High School in 2016.
“Growing up in a small town required you to utilize your resources and ask your neighbors for help,” Watkins said. “That is a lesson I carry with me to this day. I ask for help and think outside the box to accomplish things because you might not have all the ‘best’ resources available, but can still accomplish the mission.”
Watkins joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t set on settling into a career path at the time of my master’s graduation,” Watkins said. “I didn’t know if I would like the nine-to-five routine or if physical therapy was the end goal for me. I needed time to learn more about myself, develop more of my values in life, and I wanted to try something new.”
Today, Watkins serves as a surface warfare officer.
“My favorite part about my job is the fact I am never doing the same thing every day,” Watkins said.
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.
Watkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moments in the Navy are seeing my sailors get recognized for the hard work they put in day in and day out,” Watkins said. “Everyone always says your people are your reason why you continue doing what you do, and as an acting department head I get to truly see firsthand how true that statement is. The work that my team puts in maintaining and troubleshooting equipment to stay on mission and being able to recognize them for their hard work is the most rewarding accomplishment I can ask for.”
Watkins 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 commitment and purpose because even when you aren’t sure what the future holds, you know you have a purpose and meaning in the work you are currently doing,” Watkins said. “It means having a standard because you have sailors working with you who rely on you maintaining that standard.”
Watkins 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/.