Fact Check: Navy orders renaming of USNS Harvey Milk during Pride month
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Navy officially announced the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. This decision was made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who stated that the renaming was part of an initiative to "take the politics out of ship naming" and to remove names associated with what he termed "political activists" from naval vessels. The announcement coincided with Pride Month, which has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups and individuals who view the timing as particularly significant given Harvey Milk's legacy as a prominent gay rights activist and Navy veteran (NPR, New York Times).
The USNS Harvey Milk was named after Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California and served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He was assassinated in 1978, and his legacy includes significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The ship was christened in November 2021 as part of a broader initiative to honor civil rights leaders (NPR, New York Times).
Analysis
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk has sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that the decision reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to erase symbols of diversity and inclusion from the military. Hegseth's comments about removing "political activists" from ship names suggest a deliberate shift away from recognizing figures associated with civil rights movements (NPR, New York Times).
Supporters of the renaming, including Hegseth himself, argue that the new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, a World War II naval officer who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, embodies the values of bravery and sacrifice that the Navy seeks to honor. Hegseth emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated but rather aimed at honoring military service and tradition (NPR, New York Times).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is high, as they include established news organizations like NPR and The New York Times, which have a history of accurate reporting. However, the framing of the event can vary significantly between sources, with some emphasizing the political implications of the renaming while others focus on the historical significance of Peterson's military service (NPR, New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that the Navy ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk during Pride Month is True. The decision was officially announced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who cited a desire to remove political influences from ship naming practices. The timing of the announcement during Pride Month has raised concerns and criticisms from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of representation and inclusion in the military.
Sources
- USNS Harvey Milk renamed amid Trump administration efforts to cut DEI. NPR
- Pentagon Strips Harvey Milk's Name From Navy Vessel. New York Times
- Hegseth reveals new name for USNS Harvey Milk. Navy Times
- Hegseth announces USNS Harvey Milk is being renamed. ABC News
- SECDEF Hegseth Announces New Name for USNS Harvey Milk. USNI News
