On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the USNS Harvey Milk will be renamed in honor of Navy Chief Petty Officer Oscar V. Peterson, a World War II sailor awarded the Medal of Honor. This decision strips the vessel of the name of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist who served in the Navy during the Korean War. The renaming has sparked significant controversy, as it reflects a shift in the naming conventions endorsed by the current U.S. administration.

In a video shared on social media, Hegseth stated he was "taking the politics out of ship naming." The decision to honor Peterson comes as part of a broader initiative to realign military recognitions with historical figures who exemplified traditional military values. Peterson received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions during the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, where he demonstrated remarkable bravery even after sustaining injuries.

This renaming is the latest action by Hegseth, who has pursued efforts to remove names from ships and military bases that were designated under President Joe Biden's administration. Many of these names honored figures from diverse backgrounds, including women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community. Hegseth's actions have been described as an attempt to “wipe away” these recent designations and align them more closely with a “warrior culture” reminiscent of past military values.

The timing of Hegseth's announcement is particularly notable, coming during Pride Month, which coincides with the Pentagon's ongoing campaign to disband transgender individuals from military service. Hegseth emphasized that the renaming is not politically motivated and that Peterson's legacy represents the core traditions of the Navy. He also directed Navy Secretary John Phelan to assemble a team responsible for the ship's new name.

Oscar V. Peterson, who served on the USS Neosho, played a critical role during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Despite being injured, he successfully closed the bulkhead stop valves to keep the ship operational and ultimately died from his wounds. In recognition of his heroism, the Navy named an escort ship in his honor in 1943, the USS Peterson, which served for over two decades before decommissioning in June 1965.

The USNS Harvey Milk was named in 2016 by former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, in a move to recognize individuals who fought for civil and human rights. Harvey Milk was not only a Navy veteran but also a trailblazing political figure; he was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Milk’s political career in San Francisco was short-lived, as he was assassinated in 1978. He has been recognized for his contributions to the gay rights movement and is remembered as a symbol of that fight.

Hegseth's decision has drawn criticism from various corners, particularly from those who view the move as a regression in the recognition and respect for LGBTQ individuals and their contributions to military history. The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk could be seen as indicative of a broader cultural shift within the U.S. military under the current administration's policies.