Commander Le Andra Kissinger, center, with his crew from left, MNC David Thomas, MN1 Garrette Shoemaker, MN1 Hunter Kliest and BM2 David Nieves during the christening ceremony of USS Beloit. Courtesy picture
The USS Beloit. Courtesy/seaforces.org
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Message
caclark@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos native Andra Kissinger (minor) is set to become captain of USS Beloit (LCS 29) when the warship is commissioned in 2024.
The U.S. Navy christened the USS Beloit, a Freedom Variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), in a ceremony Saturday, May 7, in Marinette, WI. Construction of the warship began in July 2020 and the christening marks the transition from new construction to the testing and trials phase.
“Growing up in Los Alamos made me who I am,” Kissinger said in a May 7 phone interview from Marinette, WI. “I am enjoying my debut there and the message I would like to share is that there is a whole world to explore, and I hope people will seek the same opportunities as I did to see and serve our county.”
Commander Kissinger explained how she came to choose the Navy for her military career.
“Initially it was just the prospect of wanting to serve my country…the Navy came up with a program that allowed me to serve while finishing my education and that made the difference,” Commander Kissinger said. “I stay because of the sailors – they really make my life. They come from all over the country and from all walks of life, and it’s just an honor to serve with them every day.
A surface warfare officer, Commander Kissinger was appointed by the Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Central Florida and a Masters in Nuclear Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.
Childhood friend DeAnna DeHaven said Kissinger would have graduated from Los Alamos High School in the class of 1993, but her family moved to Florida after her freshman year. The friends grew up on Fairway Drive and attended Mountain Elementary School together.
“Le Andra has been determined all her life … she’s always been the one to chase her dreams and achieve her goals,” DeHaven said. “It’s a remarkable achievement, and we’re all very proud of it.”
At sea, Commander Kissinger served as Ordnance Officer aboard USS McInerny (FFG 8), Reactor Control Officer aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Operations Officer aboard USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and senior propulsion assistant aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). She is currently the Executive Officer of USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.
Ashore, Commander Kissinger served as the Readiness Control Officer Instructor for Littoral Training Center, Mayport, FL, followed by the Deputy Officer-in-Charge Commander Naval Surface Force Pacific Mobile Training Center (COMMNAVSURPAC), San Diego, CA.
Commander Kissinger has served on teams recognized with numerous awards and has received the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
Kissinger is the daughter of former Los Alamos residents Gail and Pat Minor.
Commander Le Andra Kissinger of the USS Beloit, left, with the ship’s sponsor, Major General Marcia M. Anderson, in front of a time capsule and its contents, which will be welded to the ship forever. Courtesy picture
Commander Le Andra Kissinger with sisters La Ora Stewart and Regina Bennett and the ship’s sponsor, Major General Marcia M. Anderson. Courtesy picture