Sailing Away from "Woke" Culture: Is a Ship Now Known as "Woke" Possible? Let's talk about Pete Hegseth's Controversial Renaming Endeavor
- by Jasper Gray
- ⏱ 4 Min
Is it permissible for a ship to be called 'woke', according to Pete Hegseth's viewpoint? Indeed, he believes so. - Strange Ship Title Raises Questions for Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth, the brash, assertive former TV host, isn't one to shy away from expressing his views – especially when it comes to the US military and its perceived "culture wars." Before joining Donald Trump's cabinet, Hegseth's stance on queer soldiers was clear, labeling efforts to protect LGBTQ+ soldiers as part of a "marxist agenda," and a "Trojan horse" undermining the troops' effectiveness[1].
Now, scarcely four months into his tenure, he's back in the news, this time causing a symbolic stir against loathed political correctness, or as he'd put it, the "woke."
The Hot Topic: Renaming the "USNS Harvey Milk"
As reported initially by Military.com, Hegseth has directed the US Navy to rechristen the tanker ship "USNS Harvey Milk." A leaked internal memo suggests the move is meant to "harmonize the objectives of the President and the Secretary of Defense with the restoration of warrior culture." A new moniker has yet to be proposed, but discussions are already in progress. A resolution is anticipated in the near future – right during Pride Month[2][3].
Harvey Milk, revered worldwide as a champion of gay and lesbian rights, was a former Marine who rose to prominence as one of the first openly gay politicians in the US and was tragically assassinated at the age of 48 in 1978[5]. In the minds of many Germans, Harvey Milk may bring Hollywood golden boy Sean Penn to mind, who claimed the Oscar for Best Actor for his captivating portrayal of Milk in 2009[5].
The "USNS Harvey Milk" was baptized in 2016 at the tail-end of Barack Obama’s presidency, with his then Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, orchestrating the name change[6]. Navy ships of this class are typically named after distinguished civil rights figures, such as the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy[6]. Republicans criticized the decision as politically motivated during the naming ceremony, and now, it appears those criticisms have proven prescient.
Another Salvo in Pete Hegseth's Cultural War?
As reported by CBS News, the renaming of the ship could be the start of a series of changes[7]. For instance, a tanker vessel named after the late Democratic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is also under scrutiny[8].
Hegseth's spokesperson confirmed that a review of navy ship names is currently taking place, with Hegseth insisting it's his duty to ensure all Department of Defense installations and resources reflect the Commander-in-Chief's vision, the nation's history, and the spirit of the soldiers[9].
Since his appointment, Hegseth has spearheaded a crackdown on diversity programs within the US military[9]. He has purged numerous high-ranking leaders (including disproportionately many women) who have championed inclusivity[1]. Hegseth regards the saying "Our diversity is our strength" as "the most stupid sentence in military history"[10]. According to former Obama's Secretary of the Navy's ex-chief of staff, Hegseth seems to be on a mission to erase from US history all individuals who are not heterosexual white males[10].
- Pete Hegseth
- US military
- Diversity
- Ship renaming
- Civil rights icon
- Donald Trump
- Fox NewsYes, under Hegseth's leadership, the U.S. Navy is reconsidering the names of several ships, including the USNS Harvey Milk, in line with the administration's push to reestablish warrior culture as a priority, coinciding with Trump's administration[1][2][3]. The timing of the announcement has sparked criticism due to its occurrence during Pride Month[2][3]. Nonetheless, the naming controversy might extend to other ships, particularly the USNS Harriet Tubman[4]. Furthermore, tensions regarding diversity initiatives within the US military have escalated since Hegseth assumed his office[1][9].
- Pete Hegseth has directed a review of navy ship names, with the potential renaming of ships like the USNS Harvey Milk and USNS Harriet Tubman, aligning with the administration's push for a restoration of warrior culture[1][2][3][4].
- The controversial ship renaming, along with Hegseth's crackdown on diversity programs within the US military, have raised concerns about the erasure of individuals from US history who are not heterosexual white males[1][9][10].
