Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a controversial move to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy oiler named after the celebrated San Francisco gay rights activist and politician. According to reports from Military Times, a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy outlines plans to strip the ship of its name, with Hegseth directing Navy Secretary John Phelan to carry out this action. The renaming announcement comes during Pride Month, a timing that is perceived to be intentional in signaling a cultural shift within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Navy. The memo suggested that the change aligns with the priorities of the current administration, focusing on reestablishing a “warrior culture” within the Navy.
In a statement to Fox News, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell refrained from denying the renaming but hinted at further name changes within the military. He underscored Secretary Hegseth’s commitment to ensuring that names associated with DoD assets reflect the priorities of the Commander-in-Chief and the military’s ethos. Parnell indicated that any potential renaming decisions would be announced after comprehensive internal reviews have been concluded, suggesting that this might be part of a broader reevaluation of military designations.
The USNS Harvey Milk was named after Milk during the Obama administration in 2016 and completed its maiden voyage in 2024. Celebrated for his contributions as a civil rights leader, Milk made history as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he took office in San Francisco in 1977. His service in the Navy, however, was marked by challenges linked to his sexual orientation, leading to his resignation in 1955 at the rank of lieutenant junior grade after he faced questioning about his identity. The Harvey Milk Foundation honors Milk’s legacy of fighting for civil and human rights.
The decision to rename the ship has sparked significant backlash, notably from Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, who criticized the move as “shameful” and indicative of a “vindictive erasure” of historical contributions to civil rights. Pelosi emphasized that this action undermines the efforts of those who fought to dismantle barriers for marginalized groups and called on the Navy to reconsider this “egregious decision.” Her statements resonate with many who believe that honoring figures like Milk is essential for inclusivity and recognizing the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
Critics of the renaming initiative highlight the importance of commemorating individuals who fought for equality and civil rights. They argue that the Navy’s decision reflects a broader political agenda that seeks to diminish the visibility of LGBTQ+ achievements and contributions within American history. By renaming the ship, opponents contend that the military is attempting to erase the legacy of activists who have been critical in shaping a more equitable society.
As the renaming process unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the morale of LGBTQ+ service members and supporters within the military community. The controversy surrounding the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk may serve as a flashpoint in the ongoing discourse about diversity, representation, and the values that the military should embody in contemporary society.
