US Navy Moves to Rebrand Ships Honoring LGBTQ Icons Amid Controversy

The US Navy's plan to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, along with other vessels recognized for civil rights contributions, has ignited backlash among Democrats and advocates of diversity during an era marked by growing tensions around LGBTQ rights and military culture.

The US Navy is set to change the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship honoring the late gay rights pioneer and Navy veteran. Documentation obtained by CBS News reveals that plans for this renaming will be publicly communicated soon. This announcement occurs during Pride Month, a period that celebrates LGBT rights and commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969, but also coincides with the Trump administration's initiatives to limit diversity and inclusion programs across federal entities.

According to Navy spokesman Sean Parnell, the renaming aligns with the administration's intent to "re-establish the warrior culture" within the armed forces. The memo instructs Navy Secretary John Phelan to propose a new name for the vessel, with further discussions to follow after a legal review. The directive also identifies other ships, including the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the USNS Harriet Tubman, as potential candidates for renaming.

Harvey Milk holds a historic position as California's first openly gay elected official after serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where he was assassinated roughly ten months post his election.

The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk aligns with a January directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which prohibited military personnel from organizing or promoting events tied to heritage or awareness months. This directive has stirred concerns about undermining unity in the military by limiting representation in such commemorative efforts.

Trump issued executive orders this year aimed at banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the government, while formally recognizing only two sexes. Advocates argue that DEI programs are crucial in addressing the historical marginalization of specific groups, including racial minorities. Critics, conversely, label such initiatives as discriminatory.

The decision has faced fierce criticism from notable Democrats, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi describing it as a "vindictive erasure" of those who fought for inclusive rights. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, expressed his disapproval on social media and called for immediate reversal of the decision. As the debate continues, the renaming of these vessels remains a contentious topic amidst broader discussions on diversity in the military and society at large.