Dustin Lance Black and Sean Penn Criticize Navy’s Decision on Harvey Milk’s Name

Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and actor Sean Penn, known for their work on the film Milk, have taken issue with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s directive to rename the US Navy’s oil ship, previously designated as the USNS Harvey Milk. They argue that this action is detrimental and divisive.

In remarks made to the media, Black claimed that Hegseth, while perhaps capable and knowledgeable, is making decisions that “fuel the culture war,” leading to increased division among communities. He stated that such actions are designed to provoke egocentric reactions that create further separation from those involved in crucial civil rights issues across the nation. “It’s division and conquest,” he commented.

Their criticisms followed reports indicating that the Navy was moving forward with plans to change the ship’s name based on a memorandum from the Secretary’s office. Sources confirmed that Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was instructed by Hegseth to proceed with this renaming, with officials noting that the timing coincides with Pride Month intentionally.

Ray Mabus, a former Secretary of the Navy, had previously announced in July 2016 the intention to honor Harvey Milk by naming a ship after him within the Military Sealift Command Fleet Oiler. As a Navy veteran, Milk is celebrated for his role in championing gay rights, reflecting the core Navy values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Black emphasized Milk’s multifaceted life before his significance as a civil rights leader, recalling his diverse experiences, such as working on Wall Street, teaching, and serving in the Navy. “He was good at everything he did,” Black said, pointing out that renaming the ship won’t erase Milk’s legacy or impact as a civil rights icon.