Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just dropped a bombshell, ordering the USNS Harvey Milk, named for a gay rights icon, to be rechristened in a bold move to reshape military culture. The decision, deliberately set for Pride Month, has California lawmakers crying foul, claiming it’s a slap at LGBT recognition. But is this about erasing history or refocusing the Navy on its fighting spirit?

According to Christian Post, Hegseth’s directive targets the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship honoring the San Francisco supervisor who broke barriers as one of America’s first openly gay elected officials. The renaming, slated for June 2025, aims to align with a push for a "warrior culture," according to Navy Secretary John Phelan’s internal memo. Other ships, like the USNS Harriet Tubman and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, may also face new names.

The USNS Harvey Milk, commissioned under President Obama in 2016, was named to celebrate civil rights heroes. Harvey Milk, a Navy veteran himself, served during the Korean War but was dishonorably discharged for his sexual orientation. His legacy includes passing a landmark San Francisco ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Milk’s Legacy Under Fire

Milk’s life wasn’t without controversy, and critics point to allegations of predatory behavior tied to his relationship with a 16-year-old runaway, Jack Galen McKinley. McKinley, who later died at 33 after battling drug addiction, met Milk in New York when Milk was in his 30s. Another partner, Jack Lira, struggled with alcoholism and took his own life in 1978.

Hegseth’s order, confirmed by a defense official to Military.com, reflects a broader effort to purge what he sees as excessive focus on LGBT and diversity initiatives in the military. The timing, intentionally set for Pride Month, adds fuel to the fire, signaling a deliberate challenge to progressive priorities. It’s a move that says, “Priorities are shifting—deal with it.”

The Navy’s John Lewis-class oilers, named for civil rights giants, were meant to inspire. But Hegseth and Phelan argue that names should reflect a tougher, more combat-ready ethos. Critics, however, see this as a calculated jab at the very communities these ships were meant to honor.

California Lawmakers Push Back

Rep. Nancy Pelosi called the decision “a surrender of a fundamental American value” to honor those who built a better nation. She’s got a point—erasing Milk’s name feels personal to many. But when military readiness is the goal, sentimentality often takes a back seat.

Pelosi also urged the Navy to reconsider, hoping it will “continue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Harvey Milk, a Veteran himself.” Her plea paints Milk as a hero whose legacy should endure. Yet, the Pentagon’s focus seems less on erasing Milk and more on signaling a cultural reset.

Sen. Adam Schiff chimed in, declaring Milk “a veteran, a dedicated public servant, and an LGBTQ trailblazer.” He’s not wrong—Milk’s courage in public life was undeniable. Still, Schiff’s claim that Milk’s legacy can’t be tarnished ignores how quickly symbols like ship names can fade.

Broader Military Culture Shift

This renaming ties into a larger purge of policies deemed too “woke” by Hegseth’s team, including a ban on openly transgender service members. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to lift a lower court injunction on the trans ban gave Hegseth’s agenda a green light. It’s a one-two punch: rename ships, reshape policies.

Milk’s own Navy service adds irony to the controversy—he was discharged for the very identity he later championed. His dishonorable discharge, rooted in the era’s harsh anti-gay policies, makes the ship’s naming a symbolic redress for some. Now, that symbol is being undone.

The allegations against Milk, particularly regarding McKinley, give critics ammunition to question his hero status. While unproven, these claims cast a shadow, complicating the narrative of Milk as an untouchable icon. It’s a reminder that history’s heroes are rarely flawless.

Pride Month Timing Stirs Debate

Choosing Pride Month for the renaming wasn’t accidental—it’s a statement. Hegseth’s team knew it would spark outrage, but they’re betting the backlash will fade faster than the new “warrior culture” will take root. Actions, as they say, have consequences.

California politicians argue this move disrespects not just Milk but the broader fight for equality. They’re right that it stings, especially for those who see Milk’s name on a Navy ship as a hard-won victory. Yet, the Pentagon’s priorities seem clear: combat readiness over cultural tributes.

The debate over the USNS Harvey Milk isn’t just about a ship—it’s about what the military should stand for. Hegseth’s vision leans hard into tradition and toughness, but at what cost to those who fought for inclusion? Only time will tell if this renaming sinks or sails.