Navy Ship Renaming Sparks Outrage Amidst Pride Month

The U.S. Navy’s decision to rename a supply vessel honoring a gay rights icon has ignited controversy, occurring during Pride Month and reflecting broader debates about LGBTQ+ rights. This move, announced by the Pentagon, has drawn sharp criticism from activists and political figures.

The Official Announcement

The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, declared that the ship, formerly named after Harvey Milk, will now bear the name of Oscar V. Peterson. Peterson was a chief petty officer awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in World War II.

“We are taking the politics out of ship naming,”

—Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

Approximately 45% of LGBTQ+ individuals have reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year (UCLA Williams Institute, 2023).

Historical Context

The vessel was initially named for Harvey Milk in 2016. Milk, a San Francisco supervisor, was assassinated in 1978. He served in the Navy before being discharged for his homosexuality.

The Controversy

Cleve Jones, a close friend of Milk and an LGBTQ+ activist, stated, “Yes, this is cruel and petty and stupid, and yes, it’s an insult to my community.” Stuart Milk, Milk’s nephew, sees this as a rallying point, urging continued vigilance.

Elected officials, including Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom, have denounced the change, interpreting it as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and fundamental American values. Newsom characterized the move as an attempt to distract from a lack of leadership.