Navy to Rename USNS Harvey Milk Amid Pride Month Controversy

The US Navy's decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during Pride month has sparked controversy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the change, a move a defense official confirmed was intentionally timed. Harvey Milk, a pioneering gay rights activist and Navy veteran, was assassinated in 1978 after winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The ship's renaming has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and others who view the timing as insensitive. The USNS Harvey Milk is part of the John Lewis class of oiler ships, named after civil rights leaders. The decision highlights ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the military and broader society. One advocate stated, "This action sends a chilling message of exclusion and disrespect." The incident underscores the complex intersection of military policy, social progress, and political considerations.