Navy Considers Renaming Aircraft Carrier After President Trump

The Navy leadership is deliberating a name change for a new aircraft carrier, possibly honoring President Donald Trump, according to two U.S. officials. Currently, the carrier under construction is set to be called the USS Doris Miller, named after an esteemed enlisted sailor. Miller gained recognition for his heroics during the Pearl Harbor attack, where he operated an anti-aircraft gun without prior training. His actions led to the shooting down of at least one Japanese aircraft and the rescue of several wounded U.S. sailors, cementing his legacy. Doris Miller was the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second-highest decoration.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz awarded the Navy Cross to Doris “Dorie” Miller during a ceremony aboard the USS Enterprise at Pearl Harbor on May 27, 1942. Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images.

CNN recently highlighted the discussions surrounding the potential renaming of the carrier. If named after Miller, the USS Doris Miller would break new ground as the first carrier honoring a Black enlisted sailor. The decision to name the carrier after Miller was initially taken during Trump’s first presidential term.

According to the two U.S. officials, dialogues concerning the name change have persisted over several months. When requested for comments, the Navy has yet to provide a response regarding this potential change. Additionally, there’s talk of Doris Miller being considered for the Medal of Honor, although approval from the White House remains pending. While destroyer ships are frequently named after Medal of Honor recipients, aircraft carriers traditionally honor presidents.

The authority for naming vessels falls to the Navy secretary, yet defense secretaries often play a significant role in naming carriers. Therefore, the final decision would involve Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. This carrier represents the fourth Ford-class ship for the Navy and may be among the pioneers incorporating the Trump-initiated catapult launch system, employing steam rather than electromagnetic methods.