The U.S. Navy is set to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named after the famed gay rights activist and Korean War veteran. This decision comes from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who ordered the change in a move that aligns with the current administration’s goals to reshape military culture.
The renaming process is being handled by Navy Secretary John Phelan, who has formed a small team to select a new name. Officials have not disclosed what the new name will be, but it is expected to be announced soon.
This decision has raised eyebrows, especially since it coincides with Pride Month and follows a broader trend of the Trump administration to eliminate references to diversity and inclusion in military policies. Hegseth’s memo justifying the renaming emphasizes a desire to align military assets with the "warrior ethos" and the priorities of the Commander-in-Chief.
The USNS Harvey Milk was commissioned in 2021 and was named to honor Milk’s legacy as a civil rights leader. Milk served in the Navy before being discharged due to his sexual orientation. He later became a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights and was assassinated in 1978.
Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have condemned the renaming. They argue that it undermines American values and the contributions of those who fought for equality. Newsom pointed out that Milk was recognized as an outstanding service member during his time in the Navy.
The ship, which operates with a crew of civilian mariners, has already completed its first resupply mission at sea. While renaming ships is rare due to maritime traditions, it has happened before, such as when the Biden administration changed the names of two vessels to remove Confederate references.
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk highlights ongoing tensions around diversity and inclusion in the military, reflecting a significant shift in policy priorities. As the Navy moves forward with this change, many will be watching to see how it impacts the broader conversation about representation and rights within the armed forces.