Name Change Controversy Surrounding USNS Harvey Milk

Retired Admiral James Stavridis expressed his disagreement with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to erase the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, a vessel memorializing the late gay rights advocate Harvey Milk.

Milk, a former military member, gained recognition as a political figure in California and was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights before his tragic assassination.

“I’m really puzzled about renaming the USNS. I mean, Harvey Milk was gay, but so are many sailors now serving openly and proudly in our military,” Stavridis remarked during an episode of the “Michael Smerconish Program.”

He pointed out that numerous effective military leaders have been gay throughout history, achieving important missions in their roles.

“I know many gay sailors excelling in difficult operations. It feels odd that the Secretary of Defense is suggesting a name change to revive the Warrior spirit.”

“Historically, the military has had gay soldiers since ancient times. As a Greek American, I must mention that one of the most significant generals, Alexander the Great, was gay. And, you know, Secretary Scott Bescent is openly gay,” he added.

Bescent serves as the second openly gay individual in a cabinet role, though he has not publicly addressed the Trump administration’s push to eliminate gender identity considerations in the military.

Stavridis found the idea of changing the ship’s name unsettling, especially since it coincides with Pride Month.

“I really don’t understand why we need to do this right now or during a month that celebrates gay rights… I just don’t support it,” he stated.

Reports emerged Wednesday suggesting that Hegseth had instructed the removal of the ship’s name, but official confirmation on the matter has yet to be released.

“Secretary Hegseth is dedicated to ensuring that all Department of Defense installations and assets reflect the priorities of the commander, our nation’s history, and the warrior spirit,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said when questioned about potential name changes.

“Any name changes will be announced after the internal review wraps up.”

The USNS Harvey Milk is part of the John Lewis-Class oil replenishment ship and pays tribute to other civil rights figures, such as Supreme Court Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as well as Harriet Tubman.

There are also discussions about possibly changing their names, according to reports.