Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. The US Navy is considering renaming an aircraft carrier that was set to honor Doris Miller, a Black sailor who was hailed for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. I mean, what’s next? Renaming the Washington Monument? The Navy announced that the Ford-class carrier would be called the USS Doris Miller back in 2020, recognizing Miller’s bravery, but now it seems they might be having second thoughts.
The reason for the potential name change is unclear, but two sources said that there have been internal conversations about renaming it to honor a sitting president. Yes, you read that right – a sitting president. It’s unprecedented, to say the least. The Navy is looking to rename another warship after Miller instead, and is even recommending him for the Medal of Honor. Bless their hearts, it’s about time someone recognized Miller’s heroism.
Doris “Dorie” Miller was a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite having no training, he took control of an anti-aircraft gun and opened fire on the Japanese aircraft. He also helped his wounded commanding officer and aided other sailors to safety. Miller was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions, and his story has been widely recognized. The Navy’s effort to rename the USS Doris Miller has been underway since earlier this year, with Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and his office looking into updating the official guidance for how ships should be named.
The Navy convened a renaming commission in 2025 to review how ships and other military assets were named. Former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan believes that aircraft carriers should be named only after presidents, Navy admirals, and consequential Navy battles. The commission came amid broader efforts in the Pentagon to remove names selected for diversity, equity, and inclusion purposes. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been at the forefront of these efforts, seeking to revert the names of US Army bases honoring Confederate Army officers and renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, which honored the Navy veteran and gay rights activist.
It’s highly unusual for a ship to be renamed after its commissioning, but Hegseth has committed to names “reflective of the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities, our nation’s history, and the warrior ethos.” The choice of USS Doris Miller marked the first time an aircraft carrier would honor an enlisted sailor, and the first aircraft carrier to be named for an African American. Former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly told CNN that he believes “one of our most powerful warships should bear the name of a sailor like Miller to bring greater attention to what makes our Navy so unique — and great.”
Ultimately, these names are meant to be symbolic and unifying for the Navy, and the nation it serves. When they are named for people like Doris Miller, they raise broader awareness of the heroism, patriotism, and sacrifices of all American sailors. Many of the US’ active aircraft carriers are named after past US presidents, but not all carriers are named after presidents. The USS Nimitz, for example, is named after the admiral who commanded the US Pacific Fleet during World War II.
In conclusion, the US Navy’s decision to potentially rename the USS Doris Miller is a complex issue with many factors at play. While the reasons for the potential name change are unclear, it’s clear that the Navy is looking to honor Miller’s heroism in some way. As I finish my coffee, I have to wonder what’s next for the USS Doris Miller – will it be renamed after a sitting president, or will it retain its original name? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – Doris Miller’s legacy will live on, no matter what the Navy decides. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll have a ship named after a coffee-loving commentator like me – now that’s a thought! 😊
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
