Summary: U.S. officials report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a rare move that has sparked controversy and discussions
Summary: U.S. officials report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a rare move that has sparked controversy and discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in the military.
In a highly controversial and rare move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship that was originally commissioned in honor of the gay rights activist and Navy veteran, Harvey Milk. This decision has ignited a heated debate, raising important questions regarding LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion within the military, especially as it coincides with Pride Month celebrations.
The USNS Harvey Milk was officially commissioned in 2021 as part of the John Lewis-class replenishment oilers, named after prominent civil rights leaders. Harvey Milk, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, was honorably discharged in 1955 due to his sexual orientation. Milk’s legacy, which includes becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, made the naming of the ship a landmark in LGBTQ+ history. The ship’s commissioning was seen as a symbol of acceptance and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community within the military.
Hegseth’s decision to rename the ship aligns with broader efforts from the Trump administration to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military. The directive, issued to Navy Secretary John Phelan, is part of a strategy to “re-establish the warrior culture” and minimize what the administration considers distractions within military ranks. The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is expected to be officially announced on June 13, 2025.
The announcement has prompted strong reactions from political leaders, particularly from those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and diversity. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi strongly criticized the move, calling it a “shameful, vindictive erasure” of those who fought for social justice and civil rights. Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his disapproval, pointing out that Harvey Milk was not only a gay rights activist but also a Korean War combat veteran.
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk is part of a broader review of military assets named after significant civil rights figures. Other ships, including those named after Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Thurgood Marshall, and Harriet Tubman, may also be scrutinized for possible renaming as part of the ongoing push to reshape the military’s cultural identity under the current administration.
The timing of the renaming, coupled with its deep ties to LGBTQ+ history, has ignited a larger debate over the place of DEI initiatives in the armed forces. Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to create a more inclusive environment for diverse service members, while others believe that it represents a step towards returning the military to a more traditional “warrior culture.”
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is far more than just the change of a ship’s name—it represents the ongoing struggle over the role of LGBTQ+ service members, civil rights, and diversity within the U.S. military. As this story develops, it will continue to shape the national conversation about inclusion, representation, and the values that the military upholds.
