Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk: Aligning with Presidential Priorities

Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk: Aligning with Presidential Priorities

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy to rename a ship named after a gay rights icon, USNS Harvey Milk. The decision was made to align with the objectives of the president and the priorities of the Navy Secretary. The renaming is set to be announced aboard the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned Navy ship. The ship is part of the John Lewis-class oilers, named after civil rights leaders. While renaming Navy ships is rare, the decision to rename the Harvey Milk was made by Hegseth, unlike previous renamings recommended by a commission. Harvey Milk, a prominent figure in the gay civil rights movement, was the first openly gay elected official in the U.S. and was tragically killed while serving on the San Francisco board of supervisors. The renaming news was scheduled to be made public on June 13.