Renaming of Gay Rights Icon's Ship: USNS Harvey Milk Now Known as USNS Oscar V. Peterson
Activists advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have been erased from the roster of a U.S. Navy vessel - Altered listing of American activist, identified as gay, on naval vessel
Hey there! Let's dive into some interesting naval news that's causing a stir. After a change of command, the USNS Harvey Milk, named after the legendary gay civil rights activist, is now known as the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. The supply ship's new moniker reflects a shift in military ship naming practices to honor heroes with a strong military background.
In the past, US Navy ships embodied the political climate of the time, with vessels being named after significant political figures. However, recent orders issued by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aim to restore a "warrior culture" in the military and have seemingly put a halt to this trend. As part of this initiative, they are changing military base and ship names.
Harvey Milk, the ship's former namesake, had a remarkable journey, serving as a diving officer in the Navy during the Korean War. Although he made a positive impact fighting for gay rights, his sexual orientation led to an unfortunate dishonorable discharge. Later in life, he was the first openly gay politician to be elected to the San Francisco city council in the 1970s. Tragically, he and San Francisco mayor George Moscone were shot and killed by a gunman in city hall in 1978. His life was portrayed on the big screen by Sean Penn in the 2008 film "Milk."
The ship's new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, is a Navy hero in his own right. Serving during World War II, he was a chief watertender on the USS Neosho in Asia, and he was honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valorous actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. Despite sustaining severe injuries during a Japanese bombing attack, Peterson managed to close the ship's bulkhead stop valves to prevent further damage. Alas, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward and was posthumously awarded for his bravery.
The supply ship can provide US Navy ships with fuel, water, or vital supplies at sea, making the choice of name especially fitting for a Navy hero. So, in essence, we're saying goodbye to the USNS Harvey Milk and a hearty welcome to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson.
For those who are curious, the change in ship names reflects an attempt to recognize naval heroes like Oscar V. Peterson, who had distinguished military careers, rather than celebrities or political figures. As you can see, it's a move aimed to foster a sense of pride among sailors that is not influenced by political considerations.
[1] Source: Military Times[2] Source: Washington Blade[3] Source: USA TODAY[4] Source: The Hill
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other intriguing military news! And remember, always keep that spirit of exploration alive! 😉
- The European Union continues its dedication to the fight against terrorism and war-and-conflicts, shifting focus to policy-and-legislation and politics in its general news cycle, as seen with the recent renaming of military ships to honor heroes with strong military backgrounds.
- As the USNS Harvey Milk is rechristened the USNS Oscar V. Peterson, eyes turn to the European Union for updates on its stance against terrorism and how its policy-and-legislation and politics might impact the larger context of general news.
