The U.S. Navy is actively considering renaming a newly constructed aircraft carrier that was previously designated to honor Doris Miller, a Black sailor celebrated for his heroism during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. According to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions, the vessel—currently under construction as the fourth Ford-class carrier—may be renamed to honor former President Donald Trump, a decision that would mark the first time an aircraft carrier is named after a sitting president.
The carrier was originally announced during Trump’s first term as the USS Doris Miller, recognizing Miller’s actions as a mess attendant who operated an anti-aircraft gun despite lacking formal training, helping defend the USS West Virginia during the attack. Miller became the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest honor, and is under consideration for the Medal of Honor, though final approval remains pending.
Key developments:
- The potential name change has been discussed for several months, with sources indicating that Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are involved in the decision-making process.
- The Navy is also exploring the possibility of renaming another warship after Miller, according to one source.
- Miller’s family, including his great-nephew Thomas Bledsoe, has not been formally notified of the change but welcomed the renewed effort to award him the Medal of Honor, a recognition they have pursued for years.
Background: The USS Doris Miller
The decision to name the carrier after Miller was made during Trump’s administration and was intended to honor his legacy as the first Black sailor and enlisted service member to receive a major Navy honor. The USS Doris Miller would have been the first aircraft carrier named after an enlisted sailor and the first to honor a Black service member. Traditionally, aircraft carriers are named after presidents, while destroyers are often named after Medal of Honor recipients.
Miller’s actions during the Pearl Harbor attack have been widely documented. Despite being a mess attendant with no weapons training, he manned a .50-caliber machine gun, assisted in evacuating wounded sailors, and is credited with shooting down at least one Japanese plane. His heroism became a symbol of racial progress in the military during a segregated era.
Decision-Making Process and Stakeholders
The authority to rename the carrier lies with the Navy Secretary, though defense secretaries often play a significant role in naming decisions for aircraft carriers. The process involves internal discussions within the Pentagon, with Acting Secretary Hung Cao and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly overseeing the review. The carrier, part of the Ford-class, is still under construction and could be among the first to carry the new name if the decision is finalized.
Sources indicate that the discussions have been ongoing since early 2024, with no immediate announcement expected. The Navy has directed inquiries to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which has not provided additional details at this time.
Potential Implications and Precedents
If the carrier is renamed after Trump, it would break a long-standing tradition of naming aircraft carriers after presidents only after they have left office. No U.S. aircraft carrier has ever been named after a sitting president. The move could also reignite debates over military naming conventions, which have historically prioritized presidents and other high-ranking officials over enlisted personnel or minority service members.
The potential renaming has drawn attention to broader discussions about military recognition and historical legacy. Miller’s family and advocates have long sought the Medal of Honor for his actions, and the renewed push for the award has been described as a positive step by his relatives. However, the timing of the name change discussions has raised questions about the motivations behind the decision.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Several key details remain unclear, including:
- The final name under consideration for the carrier, though internal conversations about honoring Trump have been reported.
- The official rationale for the potential change, if one is provided.
- The status of Miller’s Medal of Honor nomination, which requires congressional approval and Trump’s sign-off.
- The timeline for a decision, though sources suggest the process is still in its early stages.
The Navy has not issued a formal statement on the matter, and the Pentagon has not announced any timeline for a decision. The carrier’s construction continues as discussions proceed.