The United States Navy is reportedly considering renaming an aircraft carrier currently under construction, the USS Doris Miller, a move that has sparked significant debate. Originally intended to honor a Black World War II hero, reports suggest there have been internal discussions about naming the vessel after former President Donald Trump. This potential change, which emerged on August 20, 2026, comes despite the previous decision to name the ship after Miller during Trump’s first term.
The aircraft carrier, the fourth in the Ford-class for the Navy, was set to commemorate Doris Miller, an enlisted sailor celebrated for his bravery during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Miller, then a mess attendant, famously manned an anti-aircraft gun without formal training, shooting down Japanese planes and assisting wounded sailors. He was the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest honor, and died at sea in 1943.
According to CNN, citing three sources familiar with internal discussions, the Navy is now working to rename the carrier, with two sources indicating conversations about honoring Trump. NBC News also reported on these discussions, citing two U.S. officials who stated the talks have been ongoing for several months. The Navy has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the potential name change.
Doris Miller’s Heroism and Naval Naming Traditions
Doris Miller’s actions at Pearl Harbor are etched in naval history. As a navy cook aboard the battleship USS West Virginia, he moved his mortally wounded captain to safety and then operated a machine gun against attacking Japanese aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge. The Guardian reported that he is credited with shooting down between four and six Japanese bombers. His valor led to the award of the Navy Cross, with its citation detailing his extraordinary courage amidst enemy strafing and bombing.
The USS Doris Miller would mark a significant precedent, being the first aircraft carrier named after both a Black person and an enlisted sailor. Historically, aircraft carriers are typically named after presidents, while destroyers often honor Medal of Honor recipients. NBC News indicated that Miller is currently under consideration for the Medal of Honor, though this has not yet received White House approval. Ship-naming authority formally rests with the Navy secretary, but defense secretaries, including current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, are often deeply involved in decisions concerning aircraft carriers.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Reports of the potential renaming have drawn considerable criticism. It would be an unprecedented move, as no aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history has ever been named for a sitting president. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democratic senator from Arizona and a retired Navy officer, publicly voiced his opposition on X, stating that ‘Dorie Miller’s bravery at Pearl Harbor is legendary’ and that the carrier ‘shouldn’t be renamed at all, let alone for Donald Trump, who has denigrated servicemembers like Dorie Miller who have paid the ultimate price.’
For an international audience, this debate extends beyond internal U.S. politics. The potential renaming of a major naval asset, particularly one initially designated to honor a hero representing a significant stride in racial recognition, could be viewed as a reflection on the United States’ commitment to social justice and its narrative of military heroism. Such decisions can influence global perceptions of U.S. values and national identity, raising questions about how historical contributions are acknowledged and how political figures are commemorated in public institutions.
The unfolding situation will likely be closely watched for an official announcement from the Navy, potential approval for Miller’s Medal of Honor, and the final decision on the aircraft carrier’s name, all of which continue to fuel a spirited public and political discussion.
Image: The Guardian
Sources consulted
- CNN: Great nephew of Black WWII hero: ‘a shock’ to hear ship may be renamed
- The Guardian: US navy carrier set to honor Black war hero may reportedly be renamed after Trump
- NBC News: Navy discusses renaming aircraft carrier after Trump instead of heroic Black sailor
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
