USNS Harvey Milk: Navy Renaming Decision
- Navy is weighing a proposal to rename the USNS Harvey Milk,a ship named in honor of the pioneering gay rights leader and Navy veteran.
- Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, told CBS News the renaming aims to realign the military with the administration's goal of "re-establishing the warrior culture." The memo also suggests...
- Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, securing a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.He was assassinated...
The Navy’s potential renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk,a ship honoring a gay rights pioneer,has sparked controversy this Pride Month. Military leaders are considering the name change, aligning with a push to strengthen the “warrior culture” and possibly rename other vessels.This decision, revealed in CBS News documents, follows a military directive limiting heritage month events. Critics,including prominent political figures,are denouncing the proposal as an erasure of past figures. The shift also reflects previous executive orders impacting diversity,equity,and inclusion.Read more to understand the full implications of the US Navy’s plan. Find essential details and differing viewpoints on News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
navy Considers Renaming Ship Named for Harvey Milk
Updated June 04, 2025
The U.S. Navy is weighing a proposal to rename the USNS Harvey Milk,a ship named in honor of the pioneering gay rights leader and Navy veteran. Documents obtained by CBS News outline a timeline for publicly announcing the change. The potential renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet oiler, coincides with Pride Month and reflects a broader effort to shift focus within the military.
Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, told CBS News the renaming aims to realign the military with the administration’s goal of “re-establishing the warrior culture.” The memo also suggests renaming the USNS Ruth Bader ginsburg, named for the late Supreme Court justice, and the USNS Harriet Tubman, honoring the abolitionist.
Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, securing a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.He was assassinated less than a year after taking office. The potential renaming follows a directive from earlier this year instructing the military to curtail events tied to heritage or awareness months.
That directive restricted the use of resources for events like Pride Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month, citing concerns about undermining unity.Former President Donald trump also issued executive orders banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in government.
Critics,including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,have condemned the potential renaming. Pelosi told CBS News it was a “vindictive erasure” of those who fought to break down barriers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on officials to reverse the decision immediately.
what’s next
The Navy Secretary is expected to select a new name for the USNS Harvey Milk, pending legal review. The decision’s impact on diversity and inclusion efforts within the military remains to be seen.