MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer Manuel Gonzalez, a native of Miami, Florida, 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.
Gonzalez graduated from Coral Shores High School in 2008.
“I learned good work ethic from my family and previous jobs before joining the military,” Gonzalez said. “I also learned the importance of teamwork through high school sports, including football and track and field.”
Gonzalez joined the Navy 18 years ago.
“I wanted to make my family proud, challenge myself, start a fulfilling career and have experiences I couldn’t have at home,” Gonzalez said.
Today, Gonzalez serves as a gunner’s mate.
“My favorite part about my job is being able to train and mentor sailors and help them with their careers,” Gonzalez 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.
Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of mentoring sailors and helping them achieve their goals to include promotion and qualifications,” Gonzalez said. “My favorite part about my job is being able to train and mentor sailors and help them with their careers.”
Gonzalez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving means opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “An opportunity to serve my country, take care of my family, work with great Americans and protect the freedoms that a lot of people would love to have.”
Gonzalez 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/.