The U.S. Department of Defense announced its renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler. This change arrives amid a larger national conversation over the names of military vessels. The announcement, scheduled for June 13, coincides with Pride Month and has drawn attention to the legacy of Harvey Milk, one of the nation’s first openly gay politicians and a prominent gay rights activist.
Harvey Milk led one of the most important movements for gay rights in the history of our country. He served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the late 1970s and became a symbol of hope and progress for LGBTQ+ rights before his assassination in 1978 by a disgruntled former city supervisor. Perhaps significantly, Milk was a naval veteran of the Korean War, further connecting his legacy to military history.
The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 under the Barack Obama Administration. This decision shows serious resolve to recognize senators who have done extraordinary things to promote civil rights. This ship is the first ship of the John Lewis-class of navy vessels. It pays tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis, a titan in the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an order renaming the USNS Harvey Milk. This release has fueled discussions about what these kinds of changes should mean. To the detractors, the decision to rename the ship is a monumental defeat. It sets a dangerous precedent by allowing for the erasure of LGBTQ+ contributions to American history. In San Francisco—home to considerable history and connection to Milk’s legacy—local leaders have expressed outrage at the decision.
It filled former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, with pride that Harvey Milk’s name now graces a Navy ship. She emphasized the importance of honoring those who fought for civil rights, stating:
“In San Francisco, we take great pride that our Harvey’s name adorns a mighty ship among a new class of navy vessels – named for the conscience of the Congress, John Lewis – which honor titans in the fight for freedom. The names of those who fought for civil rights and human rights bring luster to these ships – as their leadership brought luster to America.” – Nancy Pelosi
The announcement’s timing — right at the beginning of Pride Month — has further fueled criticism and cynicism from all sides. Pelosi continued to expand upon the larger impacts of this decision, including its noted vindictiveness.
“The reported decision by the Trump administration to change the names of the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis-class is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American dream. Our military is the most powerful in the world – but this spiteful move does not strengthen our national security or the ‘warrior’ ethos. Instead, it is a surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country.” – Nancy Pelosi
Disputes over vessel names remain under consideration. A lot of folks are wondering how this decision fits into the new values of inclusivity and recognition, newfound values which have become essential in today’s America.