The USNS Harvey Milk, a U.S. Navy ship named after San Francisco gay rights activist Harvey Milk, is set to be renamed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Navy Secretary John Phelan to strip the ship of its name, citing a need to align with the Department of Defense’s shifting culture. The decision was first reported by Military Times, which noted that the timing of the announcement during Pride month was intentional.
The renaming is part of a broader effort to reestablish a warrior culture in the Department of Defense and U.S. Navy. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to DOD installations and assets reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities and the warrior ethos. Further name changes may be coming, with Parnell indicating that potential renamings will be announced after internal reviews are complete.
The decision has been met with criticism from some lawmakers, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who called the move “shameful” and “vindictive.” Pelosi argued that the renaming erases the legacy of those who fought for civil rights and American values. The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 during the Obama administration and completed its maiden voyage earlier this year.
