Efforts to Rename USNS Harvey Milk During Pride Month Persist as a Continuing Provocation
Dear Editor,
With every passing day, the Trump administration demonstrates its determination to dismantle protections for and cast a shadow over the LGBTQ+ community. This relentless onslaught has escalated with proposals to cut federal funding for transgender students, outrage over Pride Month celebrations, and a potential renaming of a naval ship honoring a gay rights hero - none other than Harvey Milk, a trailblazing naval veteran and tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights ("Kick Harvey Milk off a Navy ship? Ridiculous move is homophobic," June 3).
The Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has justified this move to remove Harvey Milk's name by invoking the need for ship names to align with a "warrior ethos," conveniently starting a controversy during Pride Month. This callous and offensive statement not only insults thousands of courageous soldiers serving and having served our country but also trivializes Milk's extraordinary legacy.
Amidst these escalating attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, it's crucial for allies like us to stand our ground, especially during Pride Month, which was founded to counteract the violence and discrimination faced by this community. Instead of simply reiterating "love is love," we should actively engage in speaking out against these horrific assaults on the LGBTQ+ community. This administration's appalling attempts to erase LGBTQ+ people will only strengthen our resolve to counter their bigotry.
Germaine Miles, Redlands
Dear Editor,
In light of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's whimsical determination to rename the ship named Harvey Milk, I'd like to suggest an alternative name: USS Bone Spurs.
John Hawekotte, Fullerton
Dear Editor,
As a Cold War veteran with six years of service, I hold the highest regard for any American who has put their life on the line for our country. Harvey Milk, a fellow navy officer, served valiantly in combat during the Korean War. This abominable White House's disdain for the American people knows no bounds.
Warren Cereghino, Santa Monica
More To Check Out
Find out more about the dangerous conditions on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in these eye-opening letters: "Letters to the Editor: The Half Dome cables aren't safe. Nothing in Yosemite is. Get over it"
Explore the complexities of the ongoing tree house standoff involving the unhoused community: "Letters to the Editor: Amid tree house standoff, 'what options do the unhoused have left?'"
Further Reading
- Background: The U.S. Navy is on the verge of renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler named in honor of Harvey Milk, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and navy veteran. This decision, initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, coincides with Pride month celebrations, raising suspicions about its timing.
- Reason for Renaming: The precise motivation for the renaming isn't explicitly disclosed, but it aligns with the Navy's broader review of names for ships honoring notable figures. This move follows concerns over names deemed unsuitable by modern standards, such as those honoring Confederate figures.[1][5] However, critics view this move during Pride Month as an overt act against the LGBTQ+ community.[5]
- Implications:
- Political and Social Consequences: The planned renaming has met vehement criticism from political figures, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who denounce it as a "disgraceful" and "revengeful" move.[2][5] This criticism suggests the move may elicit substantial political and social backlash.
- Harvey Milk's Legacy: Harvey Milk, a trailblazing figure for LGBTQ+ rights, might see his legacy diminished with the removal of his name from the ship. However, his impact on American history remains unaffected.[5]
- Navy's Naming Practices: The Navy's decision reflects a larger shift in choosing figures to honor with ship names, focusing on individuals who embody contemporary values and distancing themselves from controversial figures.[1]
- Additional Renamings: The Navy is also considering changing the names of other ships honoring civil rights leaders, such as the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and USNS Harriet Tubman, suggesting a broader review of ship names across the fleet.[2]
- Future Actions: The new name for the USNS Harvey Milk is expected to be announced on June 13 at the USS Constitution.[2] The timing and context of these decisions will continue to spark debate and attention in the weeks to come.
*John Hawekotte, a resident of Fullerton, California, proposes renaming the proposedly re-named ship from Harvey Milk to USS Bone Spurs.* Warren Cereghino, a veteran from Santa Monica, CA, expresses his disdain towards the White House's disregard for the American people, pointing out Harvey Milk's courageous service in the Korean War.* Amidst this controversy, Germaine Miles from Redlands emphasizes the crucial role of allies in standing against the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride Month.
