A significant decision has been made by the US Navy, as it has been directed to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named in honor of the slain gay rights activist and Navy veteran. This move is part of a broader initiative by President Donald Trump to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion references within the military. The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 to recognize Milk’s service and activism, and it was christened in 2021 by a transgender veteran.
Harvey Milk was a trailblazer who became an American LGBT icon as the first openly gay official elected in California. He served in the US Navy in the 1950s before being discharged due to his sexual orientation. Milk’s legacy extends beyond his military service, as he was a passionate advocate for civil rights. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1978 by a fellow board member who had clashed with him over city policy.
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to reestablish a “warrior culture” and remove diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from federal agencies. According to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the ship’s new name has not yet been chosen. This decision has sparked harsh criticism from Democrats, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemning the move as a “shameful, vindictive erasure” of civil rights figures’ legacies. California Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the decision, stating that it reflects “Trump’s contempt for the very values our veterans fight to protect.”
The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy, as it comes during Pride Month, a time when the LGBT community and its allies come together to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. The US Navy has not yet officially announced a new name for the vessel, and it remains unclear whether other John Lewis-class ships, all named after civil rights leaders, will also be renamed. These ships are named after notable figures such as John Lewis, Earl Warren, Robert F. Kennedy, Lucy Stone, and Sojourner Truth, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of civil rights leaders.
The reaction to this decision will likely continue to unfold, with many advocacy groups and individuals speaking out against the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk. As the situation develops, it will be important to consider the implications of this move and how it may impact the military’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. For now, the future of the USNS Harvey Milk remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder what the new name will be and what message it will convey.
