Navy Oil Tanker Renamed: Hegseth Honors Medal of Honor Hero Over Gay Rights Activist in 2025

Navy Oil Tanker Renamed

In a significant move that has sparked national discussion, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of a Navy oil tanker originally named after gay rights leader Harvey Milk. The vessel, formerly known as the USNS Harvey Milk, will now bear the name USNS Oscar V. Peterson, in honor of the late Medal of Honor recipient who sacrificed his life in World War II. The decision to rename the Navy oil tanker has stirred debate, with Hegseth emphasizing that the change is part of a broader effort to “remove politics from ship naming.”

Navy Oil Tanker Renamed to Honor War Hero

Oscar V. Peterson, a Navy chief watertender, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. As the U.S.S. Neosho came under intense Japanese attack, Peterson sustained severe injuries but managed to close multiple steam valves to prevent further destruction, saving 123 lives in the process. Peterson later succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and service.

Hegseth stated in a video posted to X, “We are taking the politics out of ship naming. We’re not renaming the ship to anything political. This is not about political activists, unlike the previous administration.”

Backlash Over the Navy Oil Tanker Renamed

The renaming of the Navy oil tanker comes amid Pride Month and has drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocates and political figures. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., condemned the decision, calling it a “shameful, vindictive erasure” of Harvey Milk’s legacy.

“As the rest of us are celebrating the joy of Pride Month, it is my hope that the Navy will reconsider this egregious decision,” Pelosi said in a statement.

Harvey Milk, the original namesake, was a pioneer in LGBTQ rights and the first openly gay elected official in California. Though he served in the Navy during the Korean War, Milk was forced out due to his sexual orientation. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1978.

Emotional Response from Milk’s Family and Veterans

Stuart Milk, founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation and nephew of Harvey Milk, called the Navy oil tanker renamed decision “a step backward.” He emphasized that his uncle’s legacy extends beyond the naming of a ship and will continue to inspire generations.

“This is a pretty big step back,” Stuart Milk said. “But the fact of the matter is my uncle’s legacy will live well past the 40-year life of a military ship.”

Veterans’ advocacy groups also voiced their concerns. Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America, criticized the decision as a “culture war tactic” that distracts from more critical issues like military readiness.

“We put that uniform on, we are Americans. When we take the uniform off and continue to serve our country, we are Americans,” Church said.

Peterson’s Heroism Recognized in Navy Oil Tanker Renamed

The decision to rename the Navy oil tanker has been framed by the Department of Defense as a move to focus on universally recognized military heroism. Peterson’s extraordinary actions during the Battle of Coral Sea were highlighted during the announcement.

Peterson’s dedication and sacrifice are symbolic of the values the Navy aims to honor. Hegseth described Peterson as “an unbelievable American hero,” pointing out that the ship’s new name represents “what service and valor look like.”

Politics of Ship Naming in Focus

Despite Hegseth’s claim of removing politics from ship naming, the issue remains deeply political. Naming Navy ships has historically involved honoring presidents, members of Congress, and significant cultural figures. Of the 15 most recent aircraft carriers named by the Navy, 10 were named after U.S. presidents, and others after prominent political leaders.

The USNS Harvey Milk was originally named in 2016 under the Obama administration, alongside other replenishment oilers named after civil rights leaders like Chief Justice Earl Warren and U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

Navy Oil Tanker Renamed: Symbolism and Controversy

While the decision to have the Navy oil tanker renamed was intended to shift focus away from political figures, it has become a symbol of the larger national debate surrounding inclusion, representation, and military traditions. Critics argue that removing Milk’s name dismisses the broader contributions of LGBTQ service members.

At the same time, supporters of the renaming see it as a return to tradition, honoring military personnel for their direct service and valor. Hegseth also noted that there are currently no plans to rename other vessels in the same class.

Legacy Beyond a Name

Regardless of the ship’s name, Harvey Milk’s influence remains deeply embedded in American culture and politics. His courage, leadership, and advocacy for equal rights have left a lasting legacy. Stuart Milk emphasized that his uncle’s impact transcends the name of a military vessel.

“This is a call to action,” he said. “We sometimes go two steps forward and one step back.”

On the other hand, Oscar V. Peterson’s heroism serves as a timeless reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by service members. The story of the Navy oil tanker renamed in his honor will be a tribute to his bravery and the lives he saved.

Conclusion: Navy Oil Tanker Renamed Sparks National Dialogue

The renaming of the Navy oil tanker from Harvey Milk to Oscar V. Peterson has sparked a nationwide conversation about honor, tradition, and representation in the armed forces. While it underscores Peterson’s valor and dedication, it has also brought attention to the challenges of recognizing diverse contributions in the military.

As this story continues to unfold, it remains clear that both Harvey Milk and Oscar V. Peterson represent distinct but equally powerful legacies of courage, service, and commitment to American values.

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