Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the secretary of the Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk, according to a defense official. The ship, which was launched in 2021 and named after the gay rights activist and Navy veteran, who was made to resign from the force because of his sexual orientation, is set to be officially renamed later this month, the official said. It is not clear what the new name will be, but the timing is notable given that June is Pride Month. Military.com first reported the expected name change. The Office of the Secretary of Defense did not respond to a request for comment. It is rare for a ship to be renamed, and it has not happened on the orders of a defense secretary in recent memory. The last time a ship was renamed in 2023, the move was based upon the recommendation of a congressional commission established to review names across the military with ties to the Confederacy. As a result of the study, the Navy decided to rename the cruiser USS Chancellorsville and research ship USNS Maury. The USNS Harvey Milk is part of the John Lewis class of oiler ships that are named after civil rights leaders. Other ships in this class include the USNS Earl Warren, USNS Robert F. Kennedy, USNS Lucy Stone and USNS Sojourner Truth. The move is in line with Hegseth’s focus on reestablishing a “warrior culture” across the military, which he has mainly tried to do by eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs and content throughout the Defense Department and finding creative ways to revert military bases back to their original, Confederate-linked names. Who was Harvey Milk? At the time the ship was launched, the Biden administration had a very different stance on diversity. “He made a difference. That’s the kind of naval leader that we need,” then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said of Milk during the christening ceremony in November 2021. The ship was co-sponsored by then-Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat who was the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors when Milk served on the board. She publicly announced Milk’s assassination in 1978 at the age of 48. Milk was one of the first out gay politicians elected to office in the United States, and the first out gay official elected in California. Milk served in the Navy as a diving officer during the Korean War, at a time when gay service members were not allowed to openly acknowledge their sexuality. During his time as a diving instructor in San Diego in the 1950s, his supervisors caught him at a park popular with gay men, according to his nephew Stuart Milk. In 1955, after the Navy officially questioned Milk about his sexual orientation, he was made to resign with the rank of lieutenant junior grade. After moving from New York to California, Milk helped start the Castro Village Association, one of the first predominantly LGBTQ-owned business groups in the country. In 1977, he was elected to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors. While serving as a city supervisor, Milk introduced legislation to protect the gay community, including a gay rights ordinance in 1978 to ban discrimination against LGBTQ people in housing or employment. He and other activists also succeeded in striking down Proposition 6, which would have mandated the firing of gay or lesbian teachers in California. Less than a year after Milk was inaugurated as city supervisor, he and Mayor George Moscone were shot to death in the San Francisco City Hall by a former fellow city supervisor over a job dispute. When his killer was sentenced to seven years, riots broke out over what many perceived to be a lenient sentence. CNN’s Andy Rose contributed to this report.
Hegseth orders renaming of ship named after gay rights icon Harvey Milk
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has initiated the process to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, an oiler ship named after the prominent gay rights activist and Navy veteran. Launched in 2021, the ship's namesake, Harvey Milk, was a pivotal figure in the LGBTQ rights movement and faced discrimination during his military service due to his sexual orientation. The decision to rename the ship comes as a significant move, particularly as it coincides with Pride Month, although the new name has yet to be disclosed. This renaming is noteworthy as it is rare for a naval vessel to undergo such a change, especially at the directive of a defense secretary, highlighting a shift in military culture under Hegseth's leadership. Previously, the last renaming of a ship occurred in 2023 following recommendations from a congressional commission focused on addressing names associated with the Confederacy, demonstrating the sensitivity and complexity surrounding military symbolism and identity.
Hegseth's decision aligns with his broader agenda to reform the military's culture, which includes an emphasis on removing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives established by the previous administration. This approach contrasts sharply with the sentiments expressed during the ship's christening, when then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro praised Milk's contributions as a naval leader. Milk's legacy includes significant advancements for LGBTQ rights, including the introduction of anti-discrimination legislation during his tenure as a San Francisco city supervisor. His assassination in 1978, alongside Mayor George Moscone, sparked outrage and protests, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ equality. As the Navy prepares for the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, the implications of this decision reflect broader societal debates about representation, military culture, and the historical context of namesakes in the armed forces.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement regarding the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk brings to light several complex social and political dynamics within the current military and political landscape. The decision, orchestrated by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, reflects an ongoing cultural battle regarding issues of representation, diversity, and military identity.
Intent Behind the Announcement
The renaming of the ship, which honors a prominent gay rights activist and Navy veteran, seems to serve a dual purpose. On one hand, it aligns with a particular political agenda that seeks to diminish the visibility of LGBTQ+ representation in institutions traditionally associated with a more conservative military ethos. The timing is particularly provocative, as it coincides with Pride Month, suggesting a deliberate challenge to the celebration of LGBTQ+ rights at a national level.
Public Perception and Societal Impact
This decision is likely to be met with polarized reactions. Supporters of the renaming may view it as a restoration of traditional military values, while opponents may see it as an affront to the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and representation. The broader implications of this decision could foster divisiveness within the military community and society at large, potentially escalating tensions around issues of identity and inclusion.
Potential Hidden Agendas
There may be underlying motives that this announcement obscures, such as a broader agenda to reverse the perceived advancements in diversity and inclusion within the military. By framing the renaming as a move towards a "warrior culture," it suggests a pushback against initiatives that promote equity, which could serve to consolidate a specific ideological stance within the Department of Defense.
Comparison with Other News
In the context of current news, this decision aligns with other recent actions that reflect a trend of reevaluating military names and symbols associated with Confederate history. However, it contrasts starkly with the previous administration's embrace of diversity initiatives, highlighting a significant cultural shift in military policy.
Sector Image and Broader Effects
The military's image is at stake here, as actions like these could redefine how the armed forces are perceived regarding inclusivity and modern values. The potential fallout could affect recruitment, public trust, and morale within the ranks, particularly among younger service members who may prioritize inclusivity.
Community Support and Target Audience
The announcement is likely to resonate more with conservative communities that support traditional military values. Conversely, it may alienate more progressive segments of the population who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, suggesting an intentional targeting of specific demographics.
Economic and Market Implications
While this decision may not have immediate direct implications on the stock market, it could influence defense contractors and companies involved in military partnerships, especially those that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their corporate practices. The broader societal implications could also affect consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations.
Global Power Dynamics and Relevance
On a global scale, this decision may reflect a broader trend in the U.S. military's approach to identity politics, which could influence international perceptions of U.S. values. It ties into ongoing discussions surrounding human rights and equality, particularly in a geopolitical context where many nations are grappling with similar issues.
Artificial Intelligence in Reporting
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the creation of this news article. However, if AI were employed, it might have influenced the framing of the narrative, potentially amplifying specific viewpoints or language that aligns with the intended message of the article.
Manipulation and Language Use
The article may contain elements of manipulation through its language and framing of the decision. The emphasis on "warrior culture" suggests a valorization of traditional military ideals that could polarize public opinion. The language used may incite a defensive reaction among those who view the renaming as a regression in societal values.
In conclusion, the article presents a scenario that is both reflective of and provocative within the current cultural landscape, with significant implications for military identity, social inclusion, and public perception. The motivations behind the renaming decision indicate a broader cultural struggle that continues to shape military and societal dynamics.