USNS Harvey Milk to Be Renamed Amid Pentagon’s Shift Toward 'Warrior Culture'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Navy to rename the replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, marking a significant reversal on the legacy of the late San Francisco gay rights icon. According to a memorandum distributed by the Secretary of the Navy’s office, the decision aligns with revised Department of Defense objectives and is part of an effort to "reestablish the warrior culture" within the U.S. military.

The ship, which was named for Harvey Milk in 2016, became a symbol of inclusion and progress when it embarked on its maiden voyage in 2024, docking in San Francisco amid public celebrations. Milk’s legacy is rooted in history as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States and as a former Navy officer who resigned after his sexual orientation came under scrutiny. The decision to remove his name from the vessel during Pride Month has stirred strong responses from both supporters and critics of the move.

In an official statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell affirmed that Secretary Hegseth remains "committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities, our nation’s history, and the warrior ethos." Parnell also indicated that, following internal reviews, additional renamings could take place, but no further details were provided regarding which assets might be affected or a timeline for those changes.

Harvey Milk’s family and advocacy groups have called the ship’s naming a testament to inclusion and respect for service members who faced adversity due to their identity. According to the Harvey Milk Foundation, Milk’s journey from the Navy to elected office underscored his determination and commitment to human rights, standing as an emblem for LGBTQ military personnel past and present.

The response from political leaders has been swift. Representative Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., described the directive as a "shameful, vindictive erasure" and urged the Navy to reconsider. "This spiteful move … is a surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country," she said, emphasizing the broader impact on the LGBTQ community during a month dedicated to their recognition and achievements.

The Navy now faces the logistical and symbolic considerations of renaming the vessel, which has become a point of pride for advocates of diversity in the armed forces. As stakeholders await further announcements from the Department of Defense, the controversy highlights ongoing national debate about the values and historical figures represented within the country's military institutions.