US Navy to Rename Harvey Milk Oil Tanker Amidst DEI Crackdown

The US Navy is set to rename the USNS Harvey Milk oil tanker, a decision that has sparked controversy and debate. The move, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is seen as part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. The oil tanker, christened in 2021, was named in honor of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist and Navy veteran who became the first openly gay elected official in California. A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that the order to rename the vessel came directly from Secretary Hegseth's office. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the Secretary's goal is to ensure that the names of military vessels reflect the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, the nation's history, and its warrior ethos. This decision has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and others who see it as an attempt to erase the recognition of a significant historical figure and undermine efforts to promote inclusivity within the military. The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk serves as a focal point in the ongoing discussion surrounding diversity and inclusion within the U.S. military and the political landscape.