Navy Considers Renaming Aircraft Carrier After Trump Instead of Doris Miller

The U.S. Navy is in discussions about renaming an aircraft carrier currently under construction after former President Donald Trump, according to two U.S. officials. The ship was originally designated to be named the USS Doris Miller, honoring the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. Miller, who served as a mess attendant, operated an anti-aircraft gun during the attack despite lacking training on the weapon and is credited with shooting down at least one Japanese plane and assisting wounded sailors. CNN first reported the discussions regarding the name change. The USS Doris Miller would have been the first aircraft carrier named after a Black enlisted sailor. The decision to honor Miller was made during Trump's first term. The two officials indicated that discussions about the name change have been ongoing for several months. The Navy has not yet commented on the potential renaming. Additionally, Miller is being considered for the Medal of Honor, although this has not yet been approved by the White House. Naming authority for ships typically rests with the Navy secretary, but defense secretaries are often involved in aircraft carrier naming decisions, which will involve Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. The ship is the fourth Ford-class carrier and may feature a Trump-ordered catapult launch system that utilizes steam instead of electromagnetic catapults.