Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk Amid Controversy

The U.S. Navy is set to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a move initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, indicating a shift in military culture. This decision, aligning with the priorities of reestablishing a “warrior culture,” comes during Pride Month, adding a layer of symbolism to the timing.

In an internal communication, Navy Secretary John Phelan disclosed the renaming plans, which are in line with the objectives of both the President and the Secretary of Defense. A defense official confirmed that the change is indeed scheduled to coincide with Pride Month, as per Military.com.

The initiative may extend beyond the USNS Harvey Milk, potentially affecting other ships named after civil rights leaders, such as the USNS Harriet Tubman and the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg. These vessels, part of the John Lewis-class oilers, were first named during the Obama administration. The decision to name a ship after Harvey Milk was announced in 2016 by then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

This decision has sparked reactions from political figures, notably from California. Representative Nancy Pelosi criticized the move, describing it as a deviation from American values meant to honor those who have contributed to the nation’s progress. “As the rest of us are celebrating the joy of Pride Month, it is my hope that the Navy will reconsider this egregious decision and continue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Harvey Milk, a Veteran himself, and all Americans who forged historic progress for our nation,” Pelosi stated.

Senator Adam Schiff also spoke against the renaming, expressing his disapproval via social media: “Harvey Milk was a veteran, a dedicated public servant, and an LGBTQ trailblazer. He showed courage and grit in just about everything he did. Despite Trump’s best efforts, the president will never tarnish that legacy.”

Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay politicians in the U.S., served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1978 until his assassination later that year. His legislative work included sponsoring a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, which was subsequently enacted into law.

Milk’s military service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War ended with a dishonorable discharge due to his sexual orientation, according to his biography. His legacy is complicated by allegations of inappropriate relationships, notably with Jack Galen McKinley and Jack Lira, both of whom faced personal struggles.

The debate over the USNS Harvey Milk’s renaming is part of a larger trend within the military to remove elements associated with LGBT and DEI ideologies, including a ban on openly transgender individuals. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower court’s injunction, allowing the Trump administration’s ban to proceed.

Defense Secretary Hegseth has faced criticism for his public expressions of faith, notably for conducting a voluntary prayer service at the Pentagon, which some argue breaches constitutional guidelines. During the service, he invoked Jesus Christ, asking for guidance and wisdom.