The U.S. Navy is working to rename an aircraft carrier that had been announced as the USS Doris Miller, according to a report that said conversations include Donald Trump as a possible new namesake. The possible change would replace a planned tribute to Doris Miller, whose actions at Pearl Harbor helped define his legacy.
Doris Miller reportedly shot down four to six Japanese bombers at Pearl Harbor in 1941 despite having no formal training on the weapons system he used. He later received the Navy Cross, died at sea in 1943 aboard the Liscome Bay, and his family has long sought an upgrade to the Medal of Honor.
Derrick Johnson on USS Doris Miller
The report said the Navy is working from internal discussions involving three sources familiar with the matter. Two of those sources said there have been conversations about renaming the carrier to honor Donald Trump, even though no carrier in the U.S. Navy has ever been named for a sitting president.
Derrick Johnson called the reported plan a slap in the face to every war hero and every service member who has worn the uniform. He also said Doris Miller earned his place in American history through courage, sacrifice, and service, and added that Donald Trump only wants to serve himself.
Mark Kelly on the name change
Mark Kelly wrote on X that Dorie Miller’s bravery at Pearl Harbor is legendary and resulted in him being awarded the Navy Cross. He said the aircraft carrier should not be renamed at all, let alone for Donald Trump, who has denigrated servicemembers like Dorie Miller who have paid the ultimate price.
The reported reversal leaves the Navy with a choice that would affect a vessel already tied to one name in public discussion and to a very different legacy in military history. The U.S. Navy declined to comment, the White House referred the matter to the Department of Defense, and the Department of Defense declined to comment.
Whether the Navy will officially rename the carrier, and who will make the final decision, has not been answered. For now, the reported talks leave the carrier between two names: one tied to Pearl Harbor heroism, the other to a former president.
