Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy to change the name of an oil ship that honors Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist.
Reports indicated that a Navy Secretary memorandum confirmed plans to remove the designation from the USNS Harvey Milk. This change is set to be announced intentionally during Pride Month, specifically on June 13th.
In response to the announcement, Senator Nancy Pelosi criticized the decision, labeling it a “shameful” attempt to erase the contributions of those who sought to pave the way for others in pursuit of their American dreams.
Pelosi remarked that while the military is powerful, this action does not enhance national security or embody the spirit of its members. She emphasized that it represents a departure from fundamental American values, advocating for the recognition of those who built a better nation.
The Department of Defense and the Navy have not yet replied to inquiries regarding the news.
The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 at a ceremony in San Francisco, where Milk became noted as the first openly gay official in California after his election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was killed in 1978 while still serving on the board and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Milk, who served on a submarine rescue ship during the Korean War, was discharged under less than favorable conditions due to his sexual orientation, rather than facing a court martial.
The John Lewis Class Euler comprises ships dedicated to renowned civil rights leaders. The USNS Harvey Milk was officially commissioned in November 2021.
Del Toro highlighted the need for the Navy Secretary to positively influence both military personnel and the civilian workforce, drawing attention to the legacy of LGBTQ leaders who have served. He spoke about the historical injustices some sailors faced and the importance of perseverance in these narratives.
Since taking office, Hegseth has worked to alter military programs and materials connected to diversity and inclusion initiatives, aiming to reinforce a so-called “warrior spirit.” His actions included targeting content related to diversity on Department of Defense platforms, leading to the temporary removal of webpages advocating for notable figures like Jackie Robinson and Colin Powell.
This push appears to extend to the renaming of the ship. The Navy memo referenced priorities set by President Trump and Hegseth concerning this change, though it did not specify the new name. Sources suggest that the new designation might be linked to the USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned vessel.
Renaming a ship is relatively uncommon in the Navy. The most recent instance in 2023 involved the cruiser USS Chancellorsville being renamed to honor Robert Smalls, following recommendations from military committees regarding Confederate name scrutiny.
