USNS Harvey Milk Renamed: A Shift in Military Culture
The Defense Secretary has directed the Navy to change the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named after a gay rights activist. The decision to rename the replenishment oiler aligns with the administration's focus on the warrior culture. A new name for the ship is expected to be announced soon.
The move to rename the USNS Harvey Milk is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate references to diversity and inclusion. This decision coincides with Pride Month and the Pentagon's campaign to remove transgender troops from the military. The renaming reflects the priorities of the Commander-in-Chief and the warrior ethos, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
The USNS Harvey Milk was originally named in 2016 by then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to honor leaders who fought for civil and human rights. Harvey Milk, a Korean War veteran and openly gay politician, was assassinated in 1978. The decision to rename the ship has drawn criticism from politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom, who view it as a rejection of American values.
The USNS Harvey Milk is operated by the Military Sealift Command and has a crew of civilian mariners. The ship conducted its first resupply mission in 2024 and has since been involved in operations off the East Coast. While renaming ships is uncommon, the Biden administration also changed the names of two Navy vessels in 2023 to remove Confederate references.
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk is a significant move that reflects the administration's priorities. It underscores the ongoing debate over the naming of military assets and the historical significance of such decisions. The renaming of the ship is expected to be completed this month, marking a new chapter in its history.