Fact Check: "Renaming USNS Harvey Milk defies Navy tradition against renaming ships."
What We Know
The USNS Harvey Milk, named after the late gay civil rights leader and Navy veteran, was officially renamed to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on June 26, 2025. This decision was part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to remove what it termed "woke" ideology from military assets, including a review of ship names associated with civil rights leaders (Wise, 2025; Bailey, 2025). The new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, was a naval officer who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during World War II (Wise, 2025; PBS, 2025).
The renaming of the ship has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that it undermines the legacy of Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights (Wise, 2025; CBS News, 2025). Hegseth stated that the renaming was intended to "take the politics out of ship naming," emphasizing a shift away from politically charged names (PBS, 2025; NY Times, 2025).
Analysis
The claim that renaming the USNS Harvey Milk defies Navy tradition against renaming ships is partially true. Traditionally, the U.S. Navy does not frequently rename ships once they have been commissioned. However, there have been exceptions, particularly in cases where names have been deemed politically sensitive or controversial. For instance, the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk can be seen as part of a broader political strategy rather than a strict adherence to naval tradition.
The sources used to support this claim are credible, including reports from NPR, The New York Times, and PBS, which provide detailed accounts of the renaming process and the context surrounding it (Wise, 2025; NY Times, 2025; PBS, 2025). These outlets are known for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting. However, the framing of the renaming as a defiance of tradition is somewhat subjective and may reflect the political biases of the current administration, which has been criticized for its efforts to erase diversity initiatives from the military (Bailey, 2025; CBS News, 2025).
Critics of the renaming, including LGBTQ+ advocates, argue that the decision is a political maneuver that disregards the significance of Milk's legacy and the importance of representation in the military (Bailey, 2025; CBS News, 2025). This perspective highlights the tension between tradition and evolving societal values regarding representation and inclusivity.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that renaming the USNS Harvey Milk defies Navy tradition against renaming ships is Partially True. While it is true that the Navy typically does not rename ships, the context of this specific renaming is influenced by political motivations rather than a strict adherence to naval tradition. The decision reflects broader cultural and political dynamics rather than a straightforward application of naval naming conventions.
