The U.S. Navy is making a significant change by renaming a ship that was previously named after gay rights activist Harvey Milk. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced this decision on Friday, stating that the replenishment oil ship will now be called the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. This change reflects a shift away from political symbolism in ship naming.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of honoring military heroes, saying, “We’re renaming the ship after a United States Navy Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, as it should be.” Oscar Peterson was a Navy chief who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. He led a repair team on the USS Neosho after it was severely damaged by Japanese bombers. Despite being gravely injured, Peterson managed to keep the ship operational and save many lives.
Peterson suffered extensive burns and injuries during the battle and tragically passed away a few days later, on May 13, 1942, at the age of 42. He was buried at sea. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Hegseth expressed hope that the new name would instill pride in those serving on the ship.
The decision to rename the ship comes after the previous administration, under Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, had named vessels after civil rights leaders, including Harvey Milk. Milk, a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, was assassinated in 1978. Critics have pointed out that his naval service was not particularly noteworthy.
The renaming of the ship reflects a broader discussion about how military honors and symbols are assigned, moving towards a focus on military accomplishments rather than political affiliations. Hegseth concluded his announcement by welcoming the USNS Oscar V. Peterson to the Navy’s Vessel Register, marking a new chapter for the ship and its legacy.
