Renaming of USS Harvey Milk on the Horizon; Potential Name Changes for Ships Honoring Civil Rights Pioneers Considered by Navy
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Breaking: Navy Mulls Overhauling Ship Names, Including USS Harvey Milk
Washington D.C. - In a surprising development, the U.S. Navy is rumored to be planning a major shakeup, with potentially iconic vessels like the USS Harvey Milk on the chopping block. This rebranding purportedly aligns with the administration's priorities and American history, while stirring controversy among the political scene.
Documents obtained by our News reveal a proposed timeline for renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, honoring the slain gay rights pioneer and Navy veteran, and a possible overhaul for an array of naval ships named after civil rights trailblazers. The timing coincides with Pride Month, and this summer sees WorldPride celebrations taking place in Washington D.C.
Other ships on the proposed renaming list include the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Harriet Tubman, USNS Dolores Huerta, and USNS Lucy Stone, to name a few. Some interesting details include the disappearance of a December 2024 article regarding the construction of the USNS Thurgood Marshall and remarks from high-profile political figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
While the exact new names are yet to be unveiled, the decision comes in reaction to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive banning events tied to heritage or awareness months, citing concerns about unity within the ranks. It's worth noting that the documents obtained were publicly sensitive and possessed a "CAUTION" note without traditional classification markers.
If approved, the name change would mark a significant shift, following two base renamings Hegseth directed earlier this year, which reversed the work done by a congressionally mandated naming commission. These changes targeted names honoring the Confederacy, such as Fort Liberty and Fort Moore. The naming commission also suggested renaming the USS Chancellorsville to recognize slave-turned- Union spy Robert Smalls and swapping the name of the USNS Maury with pioneering female oceanographer Marie Tharp.
The USNS Harvey Milk, a John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, was christened in 2021. Before becoming one of the most recognizable figures in gay rights history, Harvey Milk served in the U.S. Navy, having faced repercussions for his sexual orientation when he was drummed out of the service in 1954, receiving an "Other Than Honorable" discharge.
The controversy surrounding this potential reshuffle emphasizes the importance of diverse representation and portrayal of historical figures in military designations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Sources:
- Document obtained by our News
- Hegseth Directive
- NPR article about the USNS Harvey Milk
- The proposed renaming of the USS Harvey Milk, along with other ships like the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and USNS Harriet Tubman, highlights a shift in naval policy and legislation that intertwines with the broader scope of politics and general news.
- The health of this issue in terms of diversity and representation has sparked debates on war-and-conflicts, fueled by assertions from figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, amid ongoing discussions on policy-and-legislation regarding the naming of military vessels.
- As the USNS Harvey Milk was initially christened in 2021, this potential name change offers an opportunity for the public to re-evaluate the role of historical figures in news, particularly in light of the ongoing controversy over the decision, which also has implications for war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and broader political dynamics.
