MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Ortiz, a native of Sacramento, 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.
Ortiz graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 2006.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women who showed me what it was like to be strong and proud,” Ortiz said. “They showed me how to be dedicated, to put all your effort into everything you do and to never give up on the first try.”
Ortiz joined the Navy nearly 20 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to have the opportunity to travel,” Ortiz said. “I have been blessed enough to have visited countless countries and have been able to live on three different continents.”
Today, Ortiz serves as a culinary specialist.
“The best part of being a culinary specialist is being able to turn people’s day around,” Ortiz said. “One good, simple meal can change someone’s whole day.”
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.
Ortiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One thing I am proud of is having witnessed how far my past and present junior sailors have gone in their careers,” Ortiz said. “I am also very proud of having been part of this great Navy for almost 20 years now.”
Ortiz 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 has meant a great deal,” Ortiz said. “It has given me a chance at a life I never could have thought of, and has granted me amazing opportunities.”
Ortiz 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/.