Harvey Milk: The U.S. Navy is preparing to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet oiler named after the renowned gay rights leader and Navy veteran, Defense Department documents and officials have confirmed. The move, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, comes amid a broader initiative to shift military culture and policies, sparking significant controversy during Pride Month.
Harvey Milk, a pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ history, was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Milk’s groundbreaking political career was tragically cut short when he was assassinated less than a year later. His legacy as a civil rights icon has been honored in many ways, including the Navy’s decision in 2016 to name the John Lewis-class oiler after him.
However, recent orders from the Pentagon reflect a change in direction. According to a memorandum reviewed by Military.com, Navy Secretary John Phelan was directed by Hegseth to rename the vessel in alignment with President Donald Trump’s administration goals to “reestablish the warrior culture” within the military. The timing of the announcement, set to occur during June’s Pride Month, appears intentional and symbolic.
The Navy is also considering renaming other ships named after civil rights leaders, such as the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, USNS Thurgood Marshall, and USNS Harriet Tubman. These vessels belong to the same class as the Harvey Milk and carry the names of individuals widely celebrated for their contributions to justice and equality.
The decision has ignited sharp criticism from political leaders and civil rights advocates. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the renaming as “a surrender of a fundamental American value” and “a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced his opposition, urging an immediate reversal of the decision.
Harvey Milk’s military service further underscores his significance: he served as a diving officer aboard the USS Kittiwake during the Korean War before receiving a less-than-honorable discharge after inquiries into his sexual orientation. His story symbolizes both military sacrifice and the long struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
Currently, the USNS Harvey Milk is undergoing maintenance in Alabama, with work expected to conclude by the end of June. The Navy plans to announce the ship’s new name aboard the historic USS Constitution, emphasizing a return to traditional military values as defined by the current administration.
This controversial renaming highlights ongoing tensions within the U.S. military regarding diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of civil rights history. As the Navy moves forward, public reaction reflects a deep divide over how America honors its heroes and shapes its future values.