Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shifts vessel’s namesake from gay rights icon to World War II Medal of Honor recipient Oscar V. Peterson
Pete Hegseth Navy renames USNS Harvey Milk (Courtesy Wikipedia)Washington, VA (Time Media Service) – The Navy renames USNS Harvey Milk as USNS Oscar V. Peterson in a move to “take politics out of ship naming,” shifting the focus from civil rights advocacy to military heroism under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Why the USNS Harvey Milk Was Renamed
The USNS Harvey Milk was first commissioned in 2021, honoring Harvey Milk, a pioneering gay rights leader and former naval diver who served during the Korean War. Milk became California’s first openly gay elected official before his assassination in 1978. The Obama administration selected his name to highlight the Navy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This week, Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the vessel will now bear the name of Oscar V. Peterson, a chief watertender awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for keeping the USS Neosho afloat after a Japanese attack in 1942. Hegseth said the change reflects a desire to depoliticize ship naming and restore what he calls naval “warrior culture.”
The renaming also comes amid a broader review of Navy ships named after civil rights and judicial figures. Officials signaled that vessels honoring Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and others could face similar changes, though no further renamings have been confirmed.
Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Oscar V. Peterson
Oscar V. Peterson enlisted in the Navy in the early 1940s and served as a watertender aboard the USS Neosho during the Battle of the Coral Sea. When the ship was struck by two Japanese bombs, Peterson led efforts to seal ruptures in the fuel tanks, actions that saved many ships and lives. He later died of his injuries and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless bravery.
The new USNS Oscar V. Peterson will continue its role as a replenishment oiler, refueling and resupplying carrier strike groups at sea. Officials plan a formal renaming ceremony at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego later this summer, featuring Peterson’s descendants and surviving shipmates from the Neosho.
Peterson’s family praised the decision, calling it a fitting way to honor his courage and sacrifice. “Our grandfather lived to serve,” said his granddaughter, Maria Peterson. “This ship will carry his legacy forward across the world’s oceans.”
Political Reactions and Debate
The renaming has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and some lawmakers. California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the move as erasing LGBTQ+ history, noting that Milk’s Navy service and later advocacy remain part of the service’s story. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi called the decision “an insult to the contributions of millions of Americans who served while LGBTQ+.”
Supporters of the change argued that war heroes should be the sole namesakes of combat-support vessels. Rep. Wesley Hunt said Peterson’s heroism represented the highest naval traditions, free of political cause. Trump‐aligned critics further framed the action as part of a “woke purge,” reversing diversity policies seen under previous administrations.
The debate highlights a broader cultural clash over how the military honors service and civic contributions. Some experts caution that removing Milk’s name could dampen recruitment among young LGBTQ+ service members, while others say it streamlines the Navy’s tradition of celebrating battlefield valor.
Impact on Ship Naming Policy
Under the Trump administration, the Pentagon has moved to reverse a wave of base and ship renamings tied to civil rights and inclusion initiatives. This effort mirrors the 2020–21 reinstatement of Confederate-era names at Army installations and limits on diversity training across federal agencies.
Navy Secretary John Phelan initiated a review of all combat-support ship names early this year. His team recommended retaining a small number of diversity-focused dedications but changing those viewed as “politically charged.” The USNS Harvey Milk was the first vessel to be renamed following that guidance.
Going forward, the Navy will follow stricter criteria for new ship names: honorees must be military veterans who received the Medal of Honor or demonstrated combat heroism. Civilian activists, judges, and politicians will no longer be eligible under current policy.
Reaction Across the United States
Nationwide, the announcement has prompted reaction across political lines. In San Francisco, LGBTQ+ community centers hosted vigils to honor Milk’s legacy, while veteran organizations in Virginia commended the focus on battlefield bravery. Social media posts trended under both #HarveyMilk and #OscarPeterson, reflecting the divided sentiment.
Military families expressed mixed feelings at sea. Some sailors welcomed the change—saying they wanted to serve under a name tied directly to naval valor—while others lamented the loss of a symbol of inclusion and progress.
Analysts predict this shift could influence naming practices in other branches, potentially reshaping how the U.S. honors diverse aspects of its history. For now, however, the USNS Oscar V. Peterson sails forward under a name rooted firmly in the crucible of war.
John Harman / Military Contributor (Times Media Service)
Military analyst with extensive experience spanning field operations to major defense contractors.
jharman@timesmediaservice.com
