Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename the oiler USNS Harvey Milk, a vessel that was previously named after the late San Francisco gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk. The decision, announced during Pride Month, has sparked intense debate and criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to purge LGBTQ+ representation from military assets, a move seen as a reflection of broader conservative values within the Department of Defense.
The renaming process, as reported by the Military Times, is part of a broader Pentagon initiative to realign the military with what the Department of Defense refers to as ‘warrior culture.’ According to the memorandum issued by the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, the move is intended to reaffirm the military’s commitment to discipline, strength, and readiness in an increasingly complex global environment. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the decision, stating that names attached to all Department of Defense assets must reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities and the ‘warrior ethos.’ Parnell also indicated that further name changes could be in the works, though no specific details were provided.
While the renaming has been widely criticized, supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary step to ensure military units remain focused on their primary mission: national defense. They contend that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ figures on military vessels is inconsistent with the traditional values that the Department of Defense seeks to uphold. However, detractors, including Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, view the decision as a regression, arguing that it undermines the progress made in recent years toward inclusivity and diversity within the military.
The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 during the Obama administration, a period during which the military took significant steps toward greater inclusivity, including the repeal of the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy. The ship, which completed its maiden voyage in 2024, was intended to honor Milk’s contributions to civil rights and his role as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. The Navy has not yet announced what the new name of the vessel will be, though it is expected to be a new military hero or historical figure who aligns with the current administration’s priorities.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a prominent Democratic leader and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been among the most vocal critics of the decision. In a statement, Pelosi called the move a ‘shameful, vindictive erasure’ of those who fought to break down barriers for all Americans. She argued that the renaming is a ‘surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country.’ Pelosi’s remarks have been echoed by many within the LGBTQ+ community and advocacy groups, who see the decision as a direct affront to the values of inclusivity and equality that have become increasingly important in American society.
As the debate continues, the decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk has sparked broader discussions about the role of military history and the values that shape the identity of the armed forces. While the Pentagon insists that the move is necessary to realign with ‘warrior culture,’ critics argue that it risks alienating a significant portion of the American public and undermining the trust and support that the military relies on to function effectively in a polarized political landscape.