The U.S. Navy has announced a significant change in the naming of one of its oil tankers, opting to honor history rather than contemporary politics. The ship, which was originally named after LGBT activist Harvey Milk, will now bear the name of World War II hero Oscar V. Peterson, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This decision from the Trump administration marks a shift in the Department of Defense's ship naming conventions, aimed at removing political symbols from military acknowledgments, as Fox News reports.
In an effort to eliminate political nuances in military affairs, Hegseth revealed the renaming initiative during a press conference. The vessel was initially named after Milk in 2016 under then-President Barack Obama’s leadership, a gesture intended to honor Milk's pioneering role in gay rights and his history as California's first openly gay politician.
Milk served in the Navy during the Korean War but left due to issues related to his sexuality. He later became an influential politician in San Francisco until his assassination by a former colleague in 1978. Milk's legacy has been commemorated in various forms, and the initial naming of the tanker was part of this ongoing recognition.
In contrast, the new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, is heralded for his heroic actions during World War II. His courageous efforts on the U.S.S. Neosho during the Battle of the Coral Sea are well-documented in military history. On May 7, 1942, Peterson sustained injuries while securing critical steam valves, an act that contributed to saving numerous lives.
Peterson ultimately succumbed to his injuries on May 13, 1942, after he was rescued along with 122 others, underpinning a legacy of selfless service and sacrifice.
The decision to rename the tanker has sparked mixed reactions from political figures. Rep. Nancy Pelosi condemned the action, describing it as an erasure of milestones that have been achieved in the fight for equality and diversity.
"A shameful, vindictive erasure," Pelosi stated, criticizing the move as a backward step in recognizing those who have fought for inclusivity.
Hegseth, addressing the controversy, emphasized the vision behind the new naming decision. He articulated a desire to "take the politics out of ship naming," asserting that the focus should remain on individual heroism and not political narratives.
Hegseth's action is part of a broader initiative within the Trump Department of Defense. This initiative aims to phase out policies and actions associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that some view as overly politicized.
The renaming of military assets, including ships, has been a focal point of this broader movement. This realignment aims to ensure that names reflect valor and bravery in service rather than modern political discussions.
"We're not renaming the ship to anything political," Hegseth asserted, positioning Oscar V. Peterson's name as emblematic of pure heroism and dedication to duty.
The transition has sparked debate not only in political circles but also among the public. While some view the move as a necessary step to depoliticize military acknowledgments, others see it as brushing aside significant social progress.
The announcement comes amid Pride Month celebrations, adding another layer of complexity to public perception. In her response, Pelosi expressed hope that the Navy "will reconsider this egregious decision," underscoring her belief in the importance of celebrating diverse contributions.
In conclusion, the renaming of the Navy oil tanker highlights an ongoing conversation about the intersection of historical recognition and current political climates within military tradition. As the Department of Defense seeks to navigate these waters, the ripple effects of such decisions will continue to be felt across various segments of society.
