U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ordered the U.S. Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler, in the middle of Pride Month, sparking backlash from various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and political figures.
The ship, named after prominent gay rights activist and Navy veteran Harvey Milk, was named during the Obama administration in 2016 and has been a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the military.
The Timing of the Renaming
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to align with the “warrior culture” prioritized by Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and President Donald Trump.
According to a memorandum reviewed by Military.com and CBS, the renaming of the ship is said to ensure “alignment with president and SECDEF objectives,” referring to the administration’s goal of shifting the Navy’s culture back toward a more traditional, combat-focused ethos.
The order to rename the ship, which is being carried out during Pride Month, has been interpreted by many as a politically charged decision. The renaming is set to be officially announced on June 13, drawing attention to the controversy surrounding the timing of the change.
Harvey Milk’s Legacy
The USNS Harvey Milk was named after Harvey Milk, one of the most significant figures in the gay rights movement in the U.S. Milk served as a Navy officer during the Korean War before becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
In 1978, he was tragically assassinated by a former city supervisor in San Francisco, just months after he made history as one of the country’s first openly gay elected officials.
Naming a ship after Milk was a symbolic move to honor his legacy and the contributions he made to civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality. This renaming marks a significant shift in policy under the current administration, which has been criticized for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues and inclusivity.
Broader Renaming of Ships
In addition to the USNS Harvey Milk, the U.S. Department of Defense reportedly plans to rename other ships, many of which were named after civil rights icons.
Ships slated for renaming include vessels named after figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Dolores Huerta, Lucy Stone, Cesar Chavez, and Medgar Evers.
These names have historically been associated with figures who fought for civil rights and human rights in America.
Political Reactions
The renaming decision has faced criticism from various figures, including Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker and California representative. Pelosi expressed disappointment in the decision, particularly regarding the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, stating:
“In San Francisco, we take great pride that our Harvey’s name adorns a mighty ship among a new class of navy vessels – named for the conscience of the Congress, John Lewis – which honor titans in the fight for freedom.”
Pelosi continued, condemning the decision as a “vindictive erasure” of those who fought for civil and human rights, adding that such actions would not strengthen national security. She emphasized that the move was a “surrender of a fundamental American value”—to honor those who contributed to building a better country.