In a decision that’s triggered national debate, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk—one of the few military vessels named in honor of a prominent LGBTQ+ figure. This development arrives at the beginning of Pride Month, raising serious concerns among equality advocates and political leaders.
The USNS Harvey Milk was introduced in 2021 as part of the John Lewis-class of naval oilers—ships named after influential civil rights leaders. The vessel stood as a symbol of both military service and social change. But with Hegseth pushing to restore what he calls a “warrior culture,” the ship’s identity is now set to be erased.
Although a new name hasn’t been revealed, insider sources say the official change will be made within the month. The Department of Defense has yet to issue a public comment.
Honoring History or Erasing It?
Harvey Milk was not just a civil rights leader but also a former Navy officer who served during the Korean War. He was forced to leave the military in 1955 when his sexual orientation came to light. Years later, he would rise to become the first openly gay elected official in California and a key voice against discrimination. His assassination in 1978 marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism.
The ship named after him was seen as a tribute to his courage and his contribution to equality. At its christening, then-Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro called Milk “a leader of bravery and principle, the kind our Navy should celebrate.”
But Hegseth’s latest move reflects a different vision. His leadership has focused on reversing diversity and inclusion programs initiated by prior administrations, arguing they distract from the military’s primary mission.
Sharp Political Blowback
The backlash has been swift. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted the order, describing it as:
“A shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream.”
She warned the decision threatens to undo progress in recognizing America’s diverse heroes. Advocacy groups echoed her concerns, saying such actions chip away at the spirit of unity and respect within the armed forces.
Ship renamings by the Defense Secretary are extremely rare. The last significant changes took place in 2023, when Congress mandated the removal of names tied to the Confederacy. But this latest change, critics argue, feels more like a cultural reversal than a neutral update.
As the Pentagon pushes forward with this controversial change, many are left asking: is the military honoring its values, or rewriting them?
