MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Master Chief Petty Officer Matt Footdale, a native of Long Beach, 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.
Footdale graduated from Lakewood High School in 2006 and earned a degree from Saint Joseph’s College in 2014.
“Anyone from any background has the ability to succeed in this organization as long as they relentlessly apply themselves and recognize they are the ones who determine the level of success they wish to have,” Footdale said.
Footdale joined the Navy 18 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to take advantage of the widespread opportunity to do more for our country and, most importantly, the people within it,” Footdale said.
Today, Footdale serves as Beloit’s command master chief.
“I love that I don’t have left and right lateral limits to how far I can lead our people,” Footdale said. “They are the sole purpose as to why I do what I do.”
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.
Footdale has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“The proudest moments I have had in the Navy are when a sailor recognizes how capable they are in their success and relentlessly carries out their role, not in aggression towards an enemy but for their love for their country and fellow sailor,” Footdale said.
Footdale serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“This country was built by people willing to stand for something bigger than themselves,” Footdale said. “Serving in the Navy means being ready when our nation calls, not because of a hatred toward our adversaries across from us, but because of our commitment to those standing behind us. Our families, our people and the freedoms we protect. That’s what makes all of this worth it.”
Footdale 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/.