Controversial Directive to Rename USNS Harvey Milk Sparks National Debate

In early June 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a replenishment oiler named in honor of the late gay rights activist and Navy veteran. This decision is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the military. The directive has sparked significant controversy, with critics condemning it as an erasure of civil rights history.

The USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) is the second ship in the John Lewis-class of fleet replenishment oilers, operated by the Military Sealift Command to provide underway replenishment of fuel and limited dry cargo to U.S. Navy carrier strike groups and other surface forces. The ship was officially named in August 2016 by then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, as part of an initiative to honor civil rights leaders. Harvey Milk served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake, achieving the rank of lieutenant (junior grade). In 1955, he was forced to resign and accept an "other than honorable" discharge due to his homosexuality. Milk later became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors until his assassination in 1978.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's order to rename the USNS Harvey Milk aligns with the Trump administration's broader agenda to eliminate references to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the military. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that any potential renaming would be announced after internal reviews are complete and should reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities and military values.

The directive has been met with significant backlash. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the decision as a "shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream." Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk's nephew and executive chair of the Harvey Milk Foundation, expressed that the family was "heartbroken" over the decision, emphasizing that his uncle's legacy would continue to inspire despite the renaming. San Francisco Mayor Todd Gloria criticized the move as intentional and disgraceful, especially during Pride Month, calling it "cruel and mean." State Senator Scott Wiener rebuked the order as an act of bigotry and a reversal of efforts to recognize Milk's service.

The Navy is also reviewing the names of other vessels in the John Lewis-class fleet, which honor prominent civil rights figures:

• USNS Thurgood Marshall: Named after the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

• USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Named after the late Supreme Court Justice known for her advocacy for gender equality.

• USNS Harriet Tubman: Named after the abolitionist who led enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

• USNS Cesar Chavez: Named after the labor leader and civil rights activist.

• USNS Medgar Evers: Named after the civil rights activist assassinated in 1963.

The potential renaming of these ships has intensified debates over historical representation and DEI policies within the military.

Renaming naval vessels is rare and traditionally considered bad luck in maritime culture. However, the Biden administration previously renamed ships associated with Confederate history as part of inclusive reforms. The current directive by the Trump administration represents a significant shift in policy, focusing on reinstating a "warrior culture" and removing DEI references.

The directive to rename the USNS Harvey Milk has sparked a national debate over the balance between maintaining military traditions and embracing inclusivity. As the Navy reviews the names of other vessels honoring civil rights leaders, the conversation about representation and historical memory within the military continues to evolve.