The recent suggestion by Trump’s Secretary of Defense to strip the name of Harvey Milk from a Navy ship has ignited significant controversy amid discussions of military history and representation.
Harvey Milk, a trailblazing figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights and the first openly gay elected official in the United States, served in the Korean War as a diving instructor.
Despite being discharged due to his sexual orientation, Milk’s contributions to both the military and civil rights movements remain noteworthy.
Critics have pointed out that in seeking to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, Pete Hegseth, who serves as a military veteran and National Guardsman, appears to be undermining Milk’s legacy in favor of a narrow, exclusionary interpretation of what constitutes a warrior ethos.
Hegseth has made a name for himself by promoting his understanding of military needs and veteran welfare, often positioning himself as a voice of authority on national defense.
Yet, his recent actions and statements reflect an effort to reshape the military into an institution that aligns with a specific hetero-Christian narrative, casting aside the diversity of experiences that have long been integral to both the military and the nation itself.
The timing of Hegseth’s request for the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, particularly during Pride Month, has been interpreted by many as an act of bigotry and an effort to marginalize the experiences of LGBTQ service members.
This move is part of a larger recommendation from the Navy to rename various ships, including those named after other civil rights icons like Medgar Evers, Cesar Chavez, Sojourner Truth, and Lucy Stone, as well as future vessels intended to honor significant figures like Dolores Huerta, Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman.
When confronted with the backlash, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reiterated Hegseth’s commitment to ensuring that military assets reflect the priorities of the Commander-in-Chief and resonate with the nation’s historical narrative.
While some may argue that naval vessels should only bear the names of those who have served in the military, the honoring of civil rights leaders on ships represents a powerful acknowledgment of the various struggles that define America.
These names serve as reminders that the battle for justice often occurs on home soil and that protecting democracy can extend beyond the battlefield.
The oath taken by Navy personnel emphasizes their duty to defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, reinforcing the idea that civil rights activism is a critical part of America’s ongoing struggle for freedom and equity.
Many Americans view figures like Evers, Truth, and Marshall not only as activists but as warriors fighting for justice in their communities, embodying a spirit that is essential for all sailors.
The proposal to erase these names from naval vessels raises profound questions about the values upheld by the military.
For Hegseth and those supporting him, the rejection of these names signifies a larger narrative of exclusion that ultimately undermines the integrity of the military institution.
Hegseth’s call for the renaming of the USS Harvey Milk and others is perceived as an affront, especially given Milk’s proud military history; he was wearing his Navy diver’s insignia on the night he was assassinated, showcasing his dedication to both his service and his advocacy.
Similarly, Medgar Evers, who served in a segregated unit during World War II, was motivated to combat racial injustice following his military experience.
Cesar Chavez also served in the Navy during a pivotal period in American history, and his legacy includes a commitment to advocating for the rights of farmworkers and marginalized communities.
Andres Chavez, the grandson of Cesar Chavez and executive director of the National Chavez Center, expressed dismay over the proposed renaming, stating that it disrespects not only his grandfather’s legacy but also the numerous Latino veterans who have served their country with honor.
Andres was present at the christening of the USNS Cesar Chavez and recounted that his family had initially approached the honor with hesitation, given Cesar’s dedication to nonviolence.
However, they accepted the tribute, acknowledging the significance of Latinos in the military and the broader fight for social justice.
The Chavez family learned about the potential renaming from media reports, showcasing a complete lack of communication from the administration regarding this significant issue.
Andres highlighted that the decision goes beyond his family’s legacy to impact all Latino veterans, reinforcing the notion that activism and service are mutually reinforcing pathways to fight for justice.
He challenged Hegseth’s definition of a warrior, pointing out that figures like Milk and Chavez displayed extraordinary courage in their respective battles, asserting that their actions warrant recognition through military honors.
Funds, resources, and policies should reflect a broader understanding of what it means to serve—one that includes advocating for civil rights and fighting for equality domestically.
As discussions around military naming conventions continue, it becomes crucial to remember that the fight for freedom in the United States extends beyond military might, embodying the resilience found in the pursuit of justice for all citizens.
The quest for inclusion and the honoring of civil rights leaders as part of military heritage emphasizes that wars fought at home are just as significant.
The proposed renaming of ships named after iconic figures like Harvey Milk serves as a stark reminder of ongoing tensions surrounding representation and acceptance within the armed forces and throughout the country.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-06/pete-hegseth-warriors
