Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Navy Weighs Replacing Doris Miller Carrier Name With Trump
The Navy is building a large aircraft carrier that was supposed to be named after Doris Miller.
Miller was a Black sailor who helped defend American ships during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
He used an anti-aircraft gun even though he had not been trained to use it.
He also helped his wounded commanding officer and other sailors.
The Navy gave him the Navy Cross for his actions.
The Navy is now reportedly considering changing the carrier’s name, and some discussions have included naming it after Donald Trump.
No official name change has been announced.
The Navy may name another warship after Miller and is recommending him for the Medal of Honor.
His family supports the award effort but says it was not told about the possible renaming.
The Navy is reportedly considering renaming future aircraft carrier CVN-81, originally designated USS Doris Miller.
Two sources told CNN that internal discussions included naming the carrier after President Donald Trump.
The Navy may instead name another warship after Doris Miller and is recommending him for the Medal of Honor.
The Department of Defense said it had no announcement, while the Navy has reportedly referred to the ship by its hull number.
Critics, including NAACP President Derrick Johnson, condemned the possible change, while Miller’s family said it supports the Medal of Honor effort but was not informed about the discussions.
- Who
- The United States Navy, President Donald Trump, Doris Miller’s family, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, and critics including NAACP President Derrick Johnson.
- What
- The Navy is reportedly considering renaming aircraft carrier CVN-81, possibly after Trump, while considering other ways to honor Doris Miller.
- When
- The reported renaming effort has been underway since earlier this year; the carrier’s keel-laying ceremony is expected by the end of this year, and delivery is not expected until 2034.
- Where
- The matter concerns a Ford-class aircraft carrier under construction for the United States Navy; Miller was from Waco, Texas, and performed his heroic actions at Pearl Harbor.
- Why
- Sources said the Navy is reviewing the carrier’s name and ship-naming guidance, but no official reason for a possible change has been announced.
Critics of Renaming
Reported Case for Reconsideration
Whether CVN-81 should retain Miller’s name
Critics of Renaming
Critics argue that keeping USS Doris Miller would preserve recognition of an enlisted Black sailor whose courage and service made him a war hero. NAACP President Derrick Johnson called a possible replacement a slight to war heroes and service members.
Reported Case for Reconsideration
The Navy is reportedly considering a different name for CVN-81, with two sources saying internal discussions included naming the carrier after President Donald Trump. No official decision has been announced.
How Miller should be honored
Critics of Renaming
Miller’s family and supporters have sought the Medal of Honor for years and view the Navy’s recommendation as a positive step.
Reported Case for Reconsideration
The Navy may honor Miller by naming another warship after him while assigning CVN-81 a different name; sources also reported that the Medal of Honor recommendation is proceeding.
Naming a carrier after a sitting president
Critics of Renaming
Critics object that naming CVN-81 after Trump would be unprecedented because no United States aircraft carrier has previously been named after a sitting president.
Reported Case for Reconsideration
The reported discussions reflect the Navy’s broader review of ship-naming guidance, including which presidents and other figures may be eligible for ship names; the Navy has not publicly confirmed the proposal.
- Carrier designation
- CVN-81, a Ford-class aircraft carrier under construction.
- Original name
- USS Doris Miller.
- Possible new name
- Sources said internal discussions included honoring President Donald Trump.
- Alternative recognition
- The Navy is reportedly considering naming another warship after Doris Miller.
- Medal recommendation
- Miller is being recommended for the Medal of Honor; congressional authorization and approval from Trump would be required.
- Construction timeline
- The keel-laying ceremony is expected by the end of this year, and delivery is not expected until 2034.
- Family response
- Miller’s family supports the Medal of Honor recommendation but said it was not informed about the possible name change.
