Who was Harvey Milk? Navy vessel may be stripped of gay rights leader's name

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3 days ago

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A U.S. Navy oil tanker named after civil rights leader Harvey Milk is reportedly set to be given a new title — another apparent move to strip military diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters on June 3 that the USNS Harvey Milk, which was christened in 2021, will be renamed. An official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that the directive came from Hegseth's office.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth "is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos."
"Any potential renaming(s) will be announced after internal reviews are complete," the statement said.
The Navy did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Here's what to know about Milk and the Navy vessel named after him.
USNS Harvey Milk Navy to strip gay rights activist Harvey Milk's name from oil tanker
Who was Harvey Milk?
Harvey Milk became one of the nation's first openly gay elected officials when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
Born on May 22, 1930, Milk enlisted in the Navy in 1951. He resigned four years later after being officially questioned about his sexuality, according to the Harvey Milk Foundation.
Milk moved to San Francisco in 1972, where he eventually became involved in politics. After several failed candidacies for roles in local office, Mayor George Moscone appointed Milk to the city's Board of Permit Appeals, making him the first openly gay city commissioner in the United States, according to the Milk Foundation.
A year after Milk won election to the city's Board of Supervisors, he and Moscone were assassinated by a disgruntled former city Supervisor.
Milk was posthumously recognized for his work advocating for the LGBTQ community. A statue of Milk sits in San Francisco City Hall's rotunda, and a terminal in the city's airport is also named after him. In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Freedom.
What is the USNS Harvey Milk? Navy ship is named after gay rights leader
In 2016, the Navy announced it would be naming a tanker after Milk as part of the John Lewis-class of oilers — which is named after late congressman Rep. John Lewis.
The USNS Harvey Milk, which is identified by hull No. T-AO 206, was christened in 2021. After successfully completing acceptance trails, the ship was delivered to the Navy in 2023.
It's unclear when the tanker will be officially renamed. A U.S. official told Reuters it would not be surprising if additional ships in the John Lewis class were renamed, since others also honor civil rights leaders.
Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk's nephew and the executive chair of the Harvey Milk Foundation, said in a statement on social media that the organization is "heartbroken" to hear of the possible renaming.
"His legacy has stood as a proud and bright light for the men and women who serve in our nation's military - including those who have served on the USNS Harvey Milk - and a reminder that no barriers of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or physical infirmity will restrain their human spirit," the statement said.
Defense Department pushes to cut diversity, equity, inclusion programs
The potential renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk would mark the Defense Department's latest move to cut diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the military.
Hegseth nixed identity month celebrations at the Defense Department, like Black History Month and Pride Month.
In March, the department pulled down then scrambled to restore websites on military achievements by veterans like Jackie Robinson to information on the Navajo Code Talkers.
At military schools around the world, the department has also pulled books from shelves, barred courses and defunded student clubs.
President Donald Trump has also vocally pushed to abolish diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [e-mail].