Hegseth renames Navy ship after Medal of Honor hero to ‘remove politics’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a significant announcement regarding the renaming of a Navy oil tanker previously named after gay rights leader Harvey Milk. The ship will now be renamed after Medal of Honor winner Oscar V. Peterson. Hegseth emphasized that the decision was made to remove politics from the process of ship naming.
Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay politician, was tragically shot and killed by former San Francisco supervisor Dan White. The ship, initially named after Milk in 2016 under President Barack Obama, will now bear the name of Peterson, a hero who served in the Navy during the Korean War. Despite leaving the Navy due to his sexuality, Peterson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during World War II.
Peterson’s courageous act of self-sacrifice took place during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. Serving on the U.S.S. Neosho, Peterson managed to keep the ship afloat by closing four bulkhead steam valves despite sustaining severe burns. His actions saved the lives of many crew members, but tragically, Peterson succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Hegseth stressed the importance of honoring individuals like Peterson who have made significant contributions to the military. The decision to rename the ship was not politically motivated, but rather a way to pay tribute to a true American hero.
The renaming of the ship comes at a time when Hegseth is advocating for the removal of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and “woke” policies from the Department of Defense. The move has sparked controversy, with Rep. Nancy Pelosi criticizing the decision as a “shameful erasure” of those who have fought for equality.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the renaming of the Navy oil tanker from Harvey Milk to Oscar V. Peterson is a significant decision that reflects a shift towards honoring the bravery and sacrifice of military heroes. Hegseth’s efforts to prioritize merit and valor in military traditions are evident in this renaming process.
