Potential name change raises questions about honoring legacy and military values
Category: Politics
The U.S. Navy is in discussions to rename the aircraft carrier originally designated to honor Doris "Dorie" Miller, a Black sailor celebrated for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, to potentially honor former President Donald Trump instead.
During Donald Trump’s first term, the Navy announced that the Ford-class aircraft carrier would be called the USS Doris Miller, marking a historic tribute as it would be the first aircraft carrier named after an enlisted sailor and an African American. Internal discussions within the Navy have since shifted, with sources indicating that the name change is being considered to honor Trump, which would be an unusual move as it would be the first time an aircraft carrier is named after a sitting president.
Currently, the Navy has stopped referring to the ship as the USS Doris Miller and is only using its hull number, CVN-81. The urgency of finalizing the name arises as the keel-laying ceremony is scheduled for the end of 2026, a key milestone in the ship's construction process.
Renaming the USS Doris Miller raises substantial questions about how the Navy honors its heroes versus political figures. Doris Miller, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack, has become a symbol of valor and resilience. His actions included manning an anti-aircraft gun without formal training to defend his ship from Japanese forces, a story that resonates deeply within the military and among advocates for racial equality.
Miller’s family has expressed their desire for him to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor, which the Navy is now recommending. Notably, this recommendation requires approval from Congress and Trump himself. The family has not been informed of the potential renaming of the ship or the renewed effort to award Miller, which they view as a positive development.
The proposed renaming of the USS Doris Miller has sparked a political firestorm. Critics, including Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), have voiced strong opposition, stating, "Who could possibly be surprised that Donald Trump thinks that he's more befitting an honor like this than a World War II and American war hero?" Crow highlighted the stark contrasts between Miller's heroism and Trump's controversial record, including accusations of draft dodging and disparaging remarks about veterans.
In a broader sense, this renaming effort aligns with the Pentagon's push to review military asset names under the current administration. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has been tasked with updating guidance on ship naming, which may restrict names to presidents, Navy admirals, and notable battles. This shift could signify a departure from honoring individuals based on diversity and inclusion principles, which has been a focus in recent years.
As the Navy moves forward with the naming decision, several key factors will emerge. First, the timeline leading up to the keel-laying ceremony at the end of 2026 will be decisive; the Navy must finalize the name before this public event. Second, the response from Congress will be telling, especially concerning the Medal of Honor recommendation for Miller.
Finally, public sentiment surrounding the potential renaming will likely influence the Navy's decision. Advocates for Miller's legacy are expected to mobilize in support of keeping his name on the carrier, emphasizing the importance of honoring historical figures who represent the values of courage and sacrifice in the military. The outcome of this decision could redefine how the Navy approaches ship naming conventions in the future.
This situation captures a larger debate within the military about the intersection of politics and honor. The Navy's decision will affect the legacy of Doris Miller and set a precedent for how future ships are named and whom they honor. As discussions continue, the Navy's actions will be closely examined by both supporters and critics alike.
In January 2020, former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly stated, "When they are named for people like Doris Miller, they raise broader awareness of the heroism, patriotism, and sacrifices of all American sailors — not merely their commanders." This sentiment will be tested as the Navy navigates the complex waters of legacy, honor, and political influence in its naming conventions.