Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk to USNS Oscar V. Peterson, signaling a shift away from politically motivated ship names. The change replaces the name of the gay rights activist and former Navy diver with that of a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Chief Watertender Oscar Peterson, who sacrificed his life during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Hegseth stated the move is intended to “take the politics out of ship naming” and reaffirm appreciation for military valor. He emphasized the importance of service members feeling proud of their ship’s namesake.
This decision occurs amid a wider effort under President Trump and Hegseth to reevaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the Defense Department. While supporters see the change as a return to traditional military values, critics view it as dismissive of LGBTQ contributions and civil-rights history.
Naval officials have not yet released details on implementation costs or a timeline. The action is part of a growing discussion about how the military honors heritage and heroism.