In a move that has stirred significant attention within military and civil rights circles, the United States Navy has announced the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk. Previously named after the iconic gay rights activist Harvey Milk, the ship will now bear the name of WWII Medal of Honor recipient Chief Petty Officer Oscar V. Peterson.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement via social media, emphasizing that the Navy seeks to remove politics from its ship naming process. ‘We are taking the politics out of ship naming,’ Hegseth stated. ‘We’re not renaming the ship to anything political. This is not about political activists.’
Oscar V. Peterson was recognized posthumously for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. Despite being wounded, Peterson heroically led a repair effort that was crucial in maintaining the operational status of the vessel before succumbing to his injuries. His act of bravery earned him the Medal of Honor, symbolizing the highest standards of military valor.
The ship, initially christened in 2016 and entered service in 2023, had been linked to civil rights history due to its association with Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California and served as a Navy lieutenant during the Korean War. His legacy, however, has been a contentious point, especially amid political debates over LGBTQ+ rights.
Prominent figures including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi criticized the renaming, condemning it as an ‘erasure’ of Milk’s contributions, especially during Pride Month. Pelosi remarked that Milk ‘proudly served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and was a formidable force for change,’ highlighting the ship’s original dedication to civil rights.
The controversy has led to a broader discussion about military traditions and the importance of historical remembrance. While the Department of Defense states there are no immediate plans to rename other ships in the same class, the decision surrounding the USNS Harvey Milk marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over history, identity, and national values.
As the Navy proceeds with the renaming process, which includes repainting and updating official symbols, many are reflecting on what legacy ships should carry and how history should be honored. The story of Oscar V. Peterson reminds us of the sacrifices made in war, independent of the ongoing social debates.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how future ship naming decisions will balance the values of heroism, diversity, and national identity. What do you think about the Navy’s choice to prioritize military heroism over civil rights legacy in its ship naming? The conversation continues, echoing the complex interplay of history, honor, and societal progress.
