Navy leadership is discussing renaming an aircraft carrier after President Donald Trump. The decision on the aircraft carrier's name will be made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.

The aircraft carrier under discussion was previously designated to be named the USS Doris Miller. Discussions about changing the name of the aircraft carrier have been ongoing for several months. The aircraft carrier is currently under construction.

The decision to name the aircraft carrier after Doris Miller was made during President Donald Trump’s first term. Aircraft carriers are usually named after presidents. Ship-naming authority lies with the U.S. Navy secretary. Defense secretaries are often deeply involved in decisions to name aircraft carriers.

The aircraft carrier could be among the first to have a catapult launch system ordered by President Donald Trump that uses steam rather than electromagnetic catapults.

Why It Matters

The potential renaming affects a vessel that represents historical milestones in naval tradition. Naming an aircraft carrier after an enlisted sailor and a Black service member would mark a departure from the convention of naming such ships after presidents. The decision rests with senior defense leadership, including the Defense Secretary and the acting Navy Secretary, indicating high-level involvement in ship-naming protocols. The discussion occurs while the ship is under construction, with specific technical and scheduling parameters already established. The vessel is part of the Gerald R. Ford class, which incorporates advanced launch systems. The outcome of the naming decision will determine whether the ship honors a World War II hero or a former president, reflecting broader considerations in military commemoration.

Timeline

On December 7, 1941, Doris Miller was an enlisted sailor who staffed an anti-aircraft gun during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during World War II. On that same day, Doris Miller was not trained on the anti-aircraft weapon he operated during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Also on December 7, 1941, Doris Miller is credited with shooting down at least one Japanese plane during the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller dragged wounded U.S. sailors to safety.

On May 27, 1942, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz pinned the Navy Cross on Doris Miller at a ceremony aboard the USS Enterprise in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On that date, Doris Miller was the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross.

What's New

Additional reporting identifies Doris Miller as a 2029 Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. Pearl Harbor is identified as a harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, USA. The aircraft carrier is expected to be laid down in 2026.

The vessel is scheduled to be commissioned in February 2034. The aircraft carrier will be built at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia.