The U.S. Navy plans to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a replenishment oiler named after the LGBTQ+ rights activist and Navy veteran. This move, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signals a shift in military policy to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the Department of Defense.
Background on USNS Harvey Milk
Commissioned in 2023, the USNS Harvey Milk is part of the John Lewis-class fleet of replenishment oilers, each named after prominent civil rights leaders. Harvey Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. and served honorably in the Navy during the Korean War. The ship’s name symbolized both his military service and his pioneering role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Policy Change and Renaming Order
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order to rename the vessel aligns with the current administration’s push to emphasize a traditional “warrior culture” in the military while rolling back DEI initiatives. The renaming announcement is scheduled to coincide with Pride Month, a timing that has sparked significant backlash from various political and civil rights groups.
Public Reaction
The decision has drawn strong criticism from prominent figures. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the move as a “shameful erasure” of a trailblazer who broke barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals. California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed disappointment, emphasizing that renaming the ship does not diminish Harvey Milk’s enduring legacy or the values he stood for.
Wider Context and Future Implications
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is part of a broader review targeting ships named after civil rights icons. Other vessels, such as the USNS Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman, may also face renaming. This policy reflects the administration’s focus on restructuring military culture and scaling back programs it views as politically motivated.
Conclusion
The planned renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk highlights the ongoing cultural and political debates within the U.S. military. As the Navy moves forward with these changes, discussions about diversity, tradition, and the meaning of military service are expected to continue.
