Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has decided it’s time for a change in the names of some U.S. Navy ships, starting with the USNS Harvey Milk. This ship, named after a San Francisco gay rights icon, will be among the first in a series of renamings for the “John Lewis” class of logistics ships. The goal is to have ship names that better align with the current administration’s objectives and priorities of reestablishing what they call the “warrior culture.”
This move is seen as a significant shift from the decisions made during President Obama’s administration. Back in 2016, Obama’s Navy Secretary, Ray Mabus, launched the John Lewis class, named after the civil rights leader and Georgia Congressman. While John Lewis had no military background, his name, along with others like USNS Earl Warren and USNS Harvey Milk, was chosen to reflect a different era’s values.
Critics have pointed out that Harvey Milk was a problematic choice due to his controversial past. Milk, who was discharged from the Navy under less than honorable circumstances, had a history that included allegations of predatory behavior. His biographer, Randy Shilts, mentioned incidents that many found troubling, and his association with the infamous Jim Jones didn’t help his legacy either.
The decision to rename these ships is considered by some as a necessary corrective action to align military values with a more traditional outlook. The removal of certain web articles, such as one about the future USNS Thurgood Marshall, suggests a broader initiative to suppress names that don’t fit the current narrative.
Other ship names like the USNS Medgar Evers and USNS Cesar Chavez have also caught the attention of those who feel these choices were more about making a political statement than honoring American history. The names, they argue, serve as virtue signaling rather than genuine tributes to American heroes.
Nancy Pelosi, among others, has expressed her displeasure with the decision. She views this as a vindictive act that dismisses the efforts of those who have fought for equality and the American dream. Pelosi believes that such actions do little to bolster national security or the true spirit of the military.
Despite the criticism, the USNS Harvey Milk is set for a makeover while docked in Mobile, Alabama. The ship’s renaming is expected to occur before it returns to service later this year. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has emphasized that any changes will reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities and the nation’s history.
Parnell reassured that the Pentagon is committed to aligning military assets with the principles of the warrior ethos. Any new names will be announced once internal reviews have been completed, though the specifics remain under wraps for now.
There’s also a broader conversation about the trend of naming vessels after living presidents, which some find distasteful. Such naming conventions can lead to awkward situations and imagery that many would prefer to avoid.
The only downside, according to rumors, is that the USNS Harvey Milk might be renamed the “Constitution.” Some feel “Old Ironsides” deserves more dignity than being reduced to a diesel delivery vessel.
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Brittany Mays is a dedicated mother and passionate conservative news and opinion writer. With a sharp eye for current events and a commitment to traditional values, Brittany delivers thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping today’s world. Balancing her role as a parent with her love for writing, she strives to inspire others with her insights on faith, family, and freedom.