In a decision that has ignited fierce controversy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the new name for the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy ship honoring the iconic gay rights activist and Navy veteran. On June 27, 2025, Hegseth announced that the vessel, previously named after Harvey Milk, will now be called the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. This renaming, part of Hegseth’s broader push to align military assets with what he calls a “warrior ethos,” has drawn sharp criticism and praise, particularly as it coincides with Pride Month. The move has sparked a heated debate about honoring diverse legacies versus prioritizing a traditional military culture, with implications for how the Navy recognizes its heroes.
Why Was the USNS Harvey Milk Renamed?
Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, served as a Navy diving officer during the Korean War before his 1955 discharge due to his sexual orientation. In 2016, the Navy named a John Lewis-class replenishment oiler after him to celebrate his contributions to civil rights and his military service. The ship, launched in 2021, symbolized a commitment to diversity within the armed forces. However, Hegseth’s decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk reflects a shift in priorities under the current administration.
The new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, was a World War II Navy hero who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery aboard the USS Neosho during the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. Hegseth stated that renaming the ship is part of an effort to “take the politics out of ship naming” and focus on figures embodying battlefield valor. The announcement, made aboard the historic USS Constitution, underscores this emphasis on traditional military heroism.
The Timing and Intent Behind the Renaming
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during Pride Month has fueled accusations of deliberate provocation. Critics argue that the timing sends a pointed message to the LGBTQ+ community, especially given Milk’s status as a gay rights pioneer. Hegseth’s broader agenda, which includes eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military, adds context to the move. He has also targeted other ships in the John Lewis class, named after civil rights icons like Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman, for potential renaming.
Supporters of the renaming argue that it prioritizes military valor over political symbolism. They point to Peterson’s heroic sacrifice—saving his ship by manually closing damaged valves under enemy fire—as more fitting for a naval vessel. Social media posts on platforms like X reflect this sentiment, with some users praising the choice of a Medal of Honor recipient over a figure associated with social activism.
Key Points Summary
- New Name Announced: The USNS Harvey Milk is now the USNS Oscar V. Peterson, honoring a WWII Navy hero.
- Timing Controversy: The renaming, revealed during Pride Month 2025, has been criticized as a deliberate slight to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Hegseth’s Rationale: The move aligns with efforts to emphasize a “warrior ethos” and remove perceived political influences from military naming.
- Broader Implications: Other ships named after civil rights leaders may also face renaming, sparking debate about diversity in the military.
Public and Political Reactions
The renaming has elicited strong responses from both sides. Prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have called it a “shameful, vindictive erasure” of civil rights legacies. California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized Milk’s honorable service, noting his commander’s praise of him as “outstanding.” On X, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the decision “disgusting” and urged its reversal. Progressive veterans’ groups, such as VoteVets, have condemned the move as an insult to LGBTQ+ troops, pointing to Milk’s posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Conversely, some voices on social media platforms like X and Instagram have supported Hegseth’s decision, arguing that naval ships should honor those with direct ties to military heroism. Posts on X describe the renaming as a “necessary correction,” citing Peterson’s undeniable bravery. However, even some of Hegseth’s supporters have questioned the optics of targeting Milk’s legacy during Pride Month, with one X user calling the timing “idiotic.”
The Broader Context of Hegseth’s Military Reforms
Hegseth’s tenure as Defense Secretary has been marked by efforts to reshape military culture. Since taking office, he has restricted press access at the Pentagon, fired prominent Black and female officers, and banned considerations of race, gender, and ethnicity in military academy admissions. The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk fits into this pattern, as does his reversal of base name changes tied to Confederate figures, like renaming Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg (now honoring a non-Confederate soldier).
Critics argue that these actions marginalize underrepresented groups in the military. Milk’s nephew, Stuart Milk, expressed heartbreak, stating that his uncle’s legacy inspires service members of all backgrounds. The Harvey Milk Foundation has vowed to continue advocating for inclusivity, emphasizing that renaming the ship won’t erase Milk’s contributions.
What’s Next for the USNS Oscar V. Peterson?
The newly renamed USNS Oscar V. Peterson is currently undergoing maintenance in Alabama, expected to conclude by the end of June 2025. The Navy has not detailed whether other John Lewis-class ships will face immediate renaming, but documents suggest ongoing reviews. The rarity of renaming Navy ships—considered bad luck in maritime tradition—adds weight to the decision. The last major renamings, in 2023, replaced Confederate-linked names with those of Robert Smalls and Marie Tharp, highlighting a stark contrast to Hegseth’s current approach.
Public sentiment on platforms like YouTube and Instagram shows a divide. Comment sections on news videos feature heated debates, with some users defending Milk’s civil rights legacy and others arguing that ships should honor combat heroes. The controversy is likely to persist as the Navy navigates its naming policies under Hegseth’s leadership.
The Legacy of Harvey Milk and Oscar V. Peterson
Harvey Milk’s story remains a powerful symbol of resilience. After his Navy service, he became a San Francisco supervisor, championing anti-discrimination laws before his 1978 assassination. His life inspired an Oscar-winning film and California’s Harvey Milk Day. Oscar V. Peterson, meanwhile, represents the Navy’s tradition of valor. His sacrifice during World War II saved countless lives, earning him a place among the Navy’s most revered heroes.
The debate over the USNS Harvey Milk renamed to USNS Oscar V. Peterson reflects deeper questions about how the military honors its past. Is it about celebrating battlefield sacrifice, or does it include recognizing those who fought for equality? As Hegseth pushes his vision, the Navy faces a reckoning over its values.
Join the Conversation
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