The US Navy is contemplating a name change for an aircraft carrier under construction that was intended to honor Doris Miller, a Black sailor recognized for his actions during the Pearl Harbor attack. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that there have been internal conversations about potentially renaming the carrier to honor former President Donald Trump, which would be a first for naming an aircraft carrier after a sitting president.
The Navy is reportedly looking to rename another vessel after Miller and is also recommending him for the Medal of Honor, which requires Congressional approval. Thomas Bledsoe, Miller’s great-nephew, stated that the family had not been notified of the proposed name change or the renewed efforts for the Medal of Honor, but he described the recommendation as a positive development.
The Navy has ceased referring to the ship as the USS Doris Miller internally, instead using its hull number, CVN-81. A recent executive order from the White House also referred to the ship by its hull number. The Navy is under pressure to finalize the name before the ship's keel-laying ceremony, expected at the end of this year, although the ship is not scheduled for delivery until 2034 due to construction constraints.
Doris Miller, who enlisted in the Navy in 1939, gained recognition for his bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack, where he operated an anti-aircraft gun despite lacking formal training. He was awarded the Navy Cross in 1942 and was later killed in action during World War II. The Navy has previously convened a commission to review naming conventions for ships, suggesting that future names may be limited to presidents, Navy admirals, and significant naval battles.