Archive · 5 Jun 2025
US Navy to Rename Ship Honouring LGBTQ+ Icon Harvey Milk
The US Navy is going to rename a ship that was named after Harvey Milk, a famous person who fought for gay rights.
The change was ordered by the Secretary of Defense.
This decision is part of an effort to shift the focus of the military.
Some people are unhappy with this change, especially people who support equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
They see it as a removal of the legacy of someone who stood for equality.
Harvey Milk was a Navy veteran and one of the first openly gay elected officials in America.
The ship itself is a supply vessel that had just started serving in late 2024, and the change is happening during Pride Month.
The US Navy is set to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship honoring the gay rights icon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the change.
The decision is part of a broader effort to refocus on military readiness.
Civil rights leaders and lawmakers have condemned the move.
Harvey Milk was an openly gay elected official and Navy veteran.
- Who
- US Navy, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and supported by President Donald Trump
- What
- The US Navy is directed to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a replenishment oiler, during Pride Month.
- When
- June 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Align with the President's agenda to focus on military readiness and reverse diversity efforts, re-establishing the warrior culture within the US military.
Critics of the Change
Supporters of the Change
Impact on LGBTQ+ community and values
Critics of the Change
Civil rights leaders and lawmakers condemn the move, calling it a shameful erasure of a man who fought for equality and an affront to American values.
Supporters of the Change
The action is about restoring focus on military readiness and strength within the military.
- Ship Name
- USNS Harvey Milk (to be renamed)
- Initiating Authority
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Reason for Change
- To align with an agenda focused on military readiness and warrior culture.
- Harvey Milk's Role
- Openly gay elected official and Navy veteran
- Ship's Operational Status
- In maintenance in Alabama