The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk emerges during Pride Month and follows directives to curb diversity initiatives within the military. Critics slam the move as an erasure of progress towards inclusivity, while advocates argue it undermines the fight against discrimination.
US Navy to Rebrand Ship Named After Iconic LGBTQ Leader Harvey Milk
US Navy to Rebrand Ship Named After Iconic LGBTQ Leader Harvey Milk
In a significant shift, the US Navy plans to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a vessel honoring the first openly gay elected official in California, aligning with the current administration’s stance on diversity.
The US Navy is set to remove the name of Harvey Milk, a renowned gay rights pioneer and Navy veteran, from one of its ships, signaling a controversial shift amid ongoing discussions about diversity and inclusion in the military. Documents obtained by CBS News reveal plans to publicly disclose the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, with the timing coinciding with Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ community and commemorates the historical Stonewall riots of 1969.
The directive appears to align with a wider movement initiated by the Trump administration aimed at diminishing federal efforts that promote diversity across various departments. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the decision to rename the vessel is part of realigning military culture under President Trump’s vision of "re-establishing the warrior culture" within the armed forces.
The memo details that Navy Secretary John Phelan will be tasked with selecting a new name for the ship, which would then be communicated to senior US Navy officers following a legal review. Additionally, the document mentions other vessels that may be subject to renaming, including the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the USNS Harriet Tubman, both of which honor significant figures in the fight for civil rights.
Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, taking a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, only to be assassinated ten months later. The push to rename his ship follows recent orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that banned military personnel from hosting events related to awareness or heritage months, raising concerns over military unity and identity.
President Trump has previously issued executive orders targeting diversity and equity initiatives within the government, further solidifying a binary definition of gender. This rebranding of military vessels has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who described it as a "vindictive erasure" of historical figures who fought for equality and representation.
As the Navy progresses with these changes, reactions remain polarized, emphasizing the ongoing clash between traditional military values and the evolving landscape of social issues and inclusivity.
