Hegseth Renames USNS Harvey Milk, Sparking Outcry Over Erasure of LGBTQ+ Hero

On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the USNS Harvey Milk will be renamed the USNS Oscar V. Peterson, a tribute to a World War II Medal of Honor recipient. This decision has sparked significant backlash from LGBTQ+ and veterans’ organizations, who claim that the Pentagon is diminishing Milk’s legacy. Milk, a Navy veteran and pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, was tragically assassinated in 1978 and has been honored throughout Pride Month for his significant contributions.

A defense official had earlier verified to Task & Purpose that the timing of the decision was deliberate, set for June, a month when Milk’s contributions are prominently acknowledged.

“We are removing the politics from the process of naming ships,” Hegseth stated in a video shared on X, contending that the Navy ought to pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients rather than political activists. “Individuals desire to take pride in the vessel they navigate,” he added.

Peterson, who met his end valiantly during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his leadership in damage control on the USS Neosho, even while suffering from severe injuries. Hegseth commended Peterson’s courage, highlighting it as a true reflection of the Navy’s most outstanding values.

Nonetheless, advocates for LGBTQ+ rights strongly disapproved of the decision. The Modern Military Association of America stated, “Uplifting one hero should not erase the accomplishments of another,” criticizing the Pentagon for politicizing the legacies of both Peterson and Milk. Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America, described the renaming as “cowardly and despicable,” cautioning that it conveys a damaging message to LGBTQ+ service members regarding the significance of their contributions.

Peterson’s Medal of Honor citation highlights his heroic actions in the face of life-threatening burns, as he bravely closed valves to prevent further damage to his ship. This selfless act ultimately led to his sacrifice.

There is a consensus among many that Peterson’s bravery warrants acknowledgment. However, detractors contend that this choice disrespects Milk’s legacy and diminishes the importance of honoring the history of LGBTQ+ service members.

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