On June 3, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the U.S. Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler named for the slain gay rights activist and Navy veteran. This directive is part of a larger initiative to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the military, aiming to reestablish a "warrior culture" aligned with the current administration's objectives. The USNS Harvey Milk was christened in 2021, recognizing Milk's service during the Korean War and his historic role as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. The decision has sparked significant backlash. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the move as a "shameful, vindictive erasure" of civil rights leaders' legacies. California Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the decision, emphasizing that it undermines the values of inclusion and honor in American history. But who was Harvey Milk, and why did the Navy initially choose to honor him with a ship named in his memory?
Who Was Harvey Milk?
Harvey Milk was a pioneering American politician and gay rights activist. He became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. His life was marked by a commitment to social justice and equality. He challenged discrimination and fought for the rights of marginalized communities.
Early Life and Background
Harvey Milk was born on May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, New York. His parents were Lithuanian Jewish immigrants. He grew up in a middle-class family. He attended George W. Hewlett High School, where he was involved in various activities. He was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor.
After high school, Milk attended New York State College for Teachers in Albany. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in mathematics. During college, he was active in theater and student government. He initially kept his homosexuality a secret.
Naval Service
In 1951, Milk joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served as a diving officer aboard the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake. He rose to the rank of lieutenant. He was stationed in San Diego. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
The circumstances surrounding his discharge have been debated. Some accounts suggest he was forced out of the Navy due to his homosexuality. Official records state he received an "other than honorable" discharge. This was after being questioned about his sexual orientation.
Early Career and Personal Life
After leaving the Navy, Milk moved to New York City. He worked various jobs. These included teaching and financial analysis. He became involved in the burgeoning counterculture scene in Greenwich Village. He began to explore his identity as a gay man.
In the 1960s, Milk met Jack Lira, who became his lover. Their relationship was significant in shaping Milk's understanding of gay rights. They lived together and were openly affectionate. This was during a time when homosexuality was still largely hidden.
Milk also became involved in the theater. He worked as a production assistant and stage manager. His experiences in the theater world exposed him to different perspectives and social issues. This fueled his growing interest in political activism.
Move to San Francisco
In 1972, Harvey Milk moved to the Castro District in San Francisco. The Castro was rapidly becoming a hub for the gay community. He opened a camera shop called Castro Camera. The shop quickly became a community center.
Milk's arrival in San Francisco marked a turning point in his life. He embraced his identity as a gay man fully. He became deeply involved in local politics. He saw the potential to make a difference in the lives of gay people through political action.
Political Career and Activism
Milk began his political career by organizing local businesses and residents. He advocated for improved services and community development. He quickly gained a reputation as a charismatic and effective organizer. He understood the power of grassroots activism.
He ran for public office several times before achieving success. He faced opposition from established political figures. He also faced prejudice due to his sexual orientation. Despite these challenges, he persevered. He built a strong base of support within the gay community.
In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. This was a historic moment. He became one of the first openly gay elected officials in California. His election was a significant victory for the gay rights movement.
As a Supervisor, Milk championed various progressive causes. He advocated for affordable housing. He supported public transportation. He fought for the rights of small businesses. He also worked to improve police relations with the gay community.
Milk was a vocal advocate for gay rights. He introduced a gay rights ordinance in San Francisco. This ordinance prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. It was a landmark piece of legislation.
Key Accomplishments and Initiatives
One of Milk's key accomplishments was his role in defeating Proposition 6. This proposition, also known as the Briggs Initiative, sought to ban gay people from teaching in California public schools. Milk organized a successful campaign against the initiative. He argued that it was discriminatory and violated the rights of gay people.
Milk's activism extended beyond gay rights. He supported other marginalized communities. He worked with labor unions. He advocated for the rights of racial minorities. He believed in building coalitions to achieve social justice.
He understood the importance of visibility. He encouraged gay people to come out. He believed that visibility would help to break down stereotypes and prejudices. He famously said, "You gotta give them hope."
Assassination and Legacy
Harvey Milk's life was tragically cut short. On November 27, 1978, he was assassinated by Dan White, a former Supervisor. White had recently been fired from his position. He held personal and political grievances against Milk and Mayor George Moscone, who was also assassinated by White on the same day.
The assassinations of Milk and Moscone sent shockwaves through San Francisco and the nation. The gay community mourned the loss of a champion. Many felt a sense of betrayal and anger. The events sparked riots in San Francisco.
Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. The verdict was widely criticized. Many believed he should have been convicted of murder. The lenient sentence led to further unrest in the city. This became known as the "White Night Riots."
Despite his short time in office, Harvey Milk's impact was profound. He became a symbol of hope and empowerment for the gay community. His story inspired countless individuals to come out and fight for their rights. He demonstrated the power of political activism.
Milk's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. He is remembered as a courageous and visionary leader. He fought for equality and social justice. He made a lasting contribution to the gay rights movement.
Honors and Recognition
Harvey Milk has been honored in numerous ways since his death. His life has been the subject of books, documentaries, and films. The 2008 film Milk, starring Sean Penn, won two Academy Awards. It brought his story to a wider audience.
Several schools and streets have been named after Milk. A plaza in the Castro District is dedicated to his memory. His speeches and writings are studied in schools and universities. He remains an iconic figure in American history.
The decision to name a Navy ship after Harvey Milk was seen as a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the military. The USNS Harvey Milk symbolized inclusion and acceptance. It honored Milk's service and his advocacy for equality.
The USNS Harvey Milk Controversy
The christening of the USNS Harvey Milk in 2021 was met with both celebration and controversy. While many praised the decision as a long-overdue recognition of LGBTQ+ contributions, others criticized it. Some argued that naming a ship after a gay rights activist was inappropriate. They felt it politicized the Navy.
The decision to rename the ship in 2025 has reignited the debate. Supporters of the renaming argue that it is necessary to restore a focus on traditional military values. They believe that DEI initiatives have undermined the military's effectiveness.
Critics of the renaming argue that it is a discriminatory act. They say that it erases the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the military. They believe that it sends a message that the military is not welcoming to all.
Arguments for and Against the Renaming
Arguments in favor of renaming the USNS Harvey Milk typically center on the idea that the military should not be involved in social or political causes. Proponents argue that the military's primary mission is to defend the nation. They believe that focusing on DEI initiatives distracts from this mission.
Some argue that Harvey Milk's political activism is incompatible with the values of the military. They point to his anti-war views and his advocacy for gay rights. They believe that naming a ship after him was a political statement.
Arguments against renaming the USNS Harvey Milk typically focus on the importance of recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the military. Supporters argue that LGBTQ+ people have served honorably in the military for generations. They believe that it is important to acknowledge their service.
They also argue that renaming the ship is a discriminatory act. They say that it sends a message that LGBTQ+ people are not valued or respected by the military. They believe that it undermines efforts to create a more inclusive military.
The debate over the USNS Harvey Milk reflects broader divisions in American society. These relate to issues of identity, equality, and the role of the military. It highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. It also shows the challenges of balancing diversity and inclusion with traditional values.
The Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk has had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Many feel hurt and betrayed by the decision. They see it as a setback in the fight for equality. They worry that it signals a return to a less inclusive era.
Some LGBTQ+ veterans have expressed particular disappointment. They feel that their service is being devalued. They argue that they have served their country with honor and distinction. They believe that they deserve to be recognized and respected.
Despite the disappointment, the LGBTQ+ community remains committed to fighting for equality. They are determined to continue the struggle for acceptance and inclusion. They see the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk as a challenge to overcome.
The controversy has also sparked renewed interest in Harvey Milk's life and legacy. Many are revisiting his speeches and writings. They are finding inspiration in his message of hope and empowerment. They are using his example to guide their own activism.
Future Implications
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk could have significant implications for the future of DEI initiatives in the military. It could signal a shift away from efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. It could lead to a more homogenous military culture.
The decision could also affect the military's ability to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. If the military is seen as unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups, it could struggle to recruit the best and brightest.
The controversy also raises questions about the role of the military in American society. Should the military be a reflection of the nation's diversity? Or should it be focused solely on its primary mission of defending the country? These are questions that will continue to be debated for years to come.
Conclusion
Harvey Milk's life and legacy remain powerful and relevant today. He was a pioneering politician and activist. He fought for equality and social justice. He inspired countless individuals to come out and fight for their rights. The controversy surrounding the USNS Harvey Milk highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. It shows the challenges of balancing diversity and inclusion with traditional values. Whether the ship retains his name or receives a new one, Milk's contributions to American history will not be forgotten.
