Navy discusses renaming aircraft carrier after Trump instead of heroic Black sailor - NBC News
The U.S. Navy is reportedly considering renaming a Ford-class aircraft carrier currently under construction from the USS Doris Miller to the USS Donald Trump. The ship was originally named to honor Doris Miller, a Black sailor who received the Navy Cross for his heroism at Pearl Harbor.
Why it matters
The potential name change highlights ongoing debates regarding military naming conventions, historical recognition, and the influence of political figures on institutional legacy.
Navy leadership is discussing renaming a Navy aircraft carrier after President Donald Trump, according to two U.S. officials. The ship, which is still under construction, has been set to be named the USS Doris Miller in honor of an enlisted sailor who famously staffed an anti-aircraft gun during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during World War II despite not having been trained on the weapon. Miller, a mess attendant, grabbed the gun during the attack and is credited with shooting down at least one Japanese plane and dragging wounded U.S. sailors to safety. Miller was the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross — the Navy’s second-highest honor. CNN first reported the discussions to rename the aircraft carrier. The USS Doris Miller would be the first aircraft carrier named after a Black person and an enlisted sailor.
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