The Navy is reportedly considering renaming CVN-81, currently designated USS Doris Miller, with internal discussions involving a possible tribute to Trump.
Doris Miller became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for his actions during the Pearl Harbor attack and was later killed in the Battle of Makin.
The Navy is considering naming another warship after Miller and recommending him for the Medal of Honor, while his family says it has been seeking the honour for years
US Navy Considers Renaming Doris Miller Carrier To Honour Trump
The US Navy is reportedly considering renaming the future USS Doris Miller aircraft carrier in honour of Donald Trump, while exploring another warship to preserve Miller’s name
Summary
United States Navy officials are evaluating a proposal to rename the future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier CVN-81 to honour US President Donald Trump, CNN reported. The warship is currently designated as the USS Doris Miller, named after the iconic Black Pearl Harbor hero.
The defence department officially announced the decision to name CVN-81 after Miller in January 2020. This selection marked a historic departure from standard practice. US aircraft carriers have traditionally been named for US presidents and other prominent figures, but Miller's selection was historic because he was an enlisted sailor and the first African American to have an aircraft carrier named after him.
Why Is The Navy Considering Renaming The Carrier?
Doris Miller was a mess attendant third class. He became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross. He earned this high military honour for his heroism during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Miller manned an unmanned anti-aircraft machine gun during the surprise assault. He used the weapon to fire at attacking Japanese warplanes. He also helped rescue wounded sailors from the destruction.
His naval service ended tragically two years later. Miller was killed in action in November 1943. A Japanese submarine torpedoed and sunk his ship, the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay.
It remains unclear what new name the Navy is considering for the carrier. However, two sources said there have been internal discussions about renaming the vessel in Trump’s honour. Naming an aircraft carrier after a sitting president would be an unprecedented step.
According to one source, the Navy is instead considering naming another warship after Miller and is recommending him for the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest award for acts of valor. The final decision on the honor rests with Congress and would also require Trump’s approval.
Who Was Doris Miller And What Could Happen To His Legacy?
The proposal has faced severe opposition. Veterans groups, civil rights advocates and lawmakers have strongly condemned the move. They argue that the renaming proposal diminishes the legacy of Black service members.
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Critics and military analysts have suggested a different approach. They advised that the Navy should instead name the next planned carrier, CVN-82, after Donald Trump. This alternative would prevent stripping Miller of his established honour. The current plan has angered many observers. A civil rights advocate criticised the proposal.
Thomas Bledsoe, Miller’s great-nephew, said the family had not been notified about either the proposed change or the renewed effort to secure the Medal of Honor for his great-uncle. Bledsoe said the family has spent “years” pursuing the Medal of Honor for Miller and described the Navy’s recommendation as “very positive,” as per CNN.
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