In a controversial move that reflects the shifting political winds within the U.S. Department of Defense, the Navy is set to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, an oil tanker named in honor of the slain gay rights activist and Navy veteran.
Harvey Milk, who served as a diving officer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, became one of the first openly gay elected officials in American history. The ship named after him was christened in 2021 as part of the John Lewis class of oil tankers, which were meant to honor civil and human rights leaders.
Decision Tied to DEI Rollback
According to U.S. officials who spoke anonymously to Reuters, the directive to rename the vessel came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office. Hegseth, who assumed the role earlier this year and is a former Fox News host, has made eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs a top priority in the Pentagon.
Since taking office, Hegseth has ended military observances like Black History Month and other identity-based recognitions, stating in a February address that “the single dumbest phrase in military history is ‘our diversity is our strength.’”
Pride Month and Possible Timing
Though no official date has been announced, the timing of the directive comes just as Pride Month begins. The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk could occur during this period, which is traditionally used to celebrate LGBTQ rights and honor pioneers like Milk.
Another official said other tankers in the John Lewis class, many of which were named after civil rights leaders, could also be reconsidered for renaming.
Legacy of Harvey Milk
Milk, after leaving the Navy, was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming the first openly gay politician in California. Just a year later, he was tragically assassinated while in office.
The decision to name a Navy ship after him in 2016 was hailed as a symbolic step forward for LGBTQ representation within the military, especially after the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
A Divisive Move
Supporters of DEI programs say that initiatives celebrating diversity are essential for correcting systemic inequalities and honoring the service of historically marginalized groups. Critics, however, argue that such programs prioritize identity over merit and introduce division into the ranks of the military.
The Pentagon and Navy have yet to release an official statement on the ship’s renaming, and the development has already sparked debate across political and activist circles.
The planned change reflects the broader ideological divide in U.S. politics and suggests that more reversals of recent diversity-focused military decisions may follow in the coming months.
