Politics

Navy considers renaming planned aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller for Trump

Officials are reportedly exploring naming a different vessel after the Black World War II hero while considering an upgrade to his Navy Cross.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 13:17 UTC1 reports

The short version

Navy officials are weighing whether to strip the name of World War II hero Doris Miller from a Ford-class aircraft carrier under construction and potentially rename it for President Donald Trump.
Miller was a Black Navy cook who received the Navy Cross for his heroism during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly recommended upgrading Miller's decoration to the Medal of Honor, with officials potentially seeking to name a different ship after him.
The Pentagon did not comment, while a Navy spokesperson stated the service currently has no announcement to share.

Navy officials are considering stripping the name of World War II hero Doris Miller from a new aircraft carrier currently under construction in Virginia to potentially name it for President Donald Trump.[ABC News]
The vessel was named the USS Doris Miller in 2020 during Trump's first administration, making it the first aircraft carrier named for an enlisted service member or a Black American.[ABC News]
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently sent a memorandum to Congress recommending that Miller's Navy Cross be posthumously upgraded to the Medal of Honor.[ABC News]
Navy officials are exploring the option of naming a different ship after Miller if the aircraft carrier is renamed.[ABC News]
A spokesperson for Miller's family expressed shock regarding the potential name change but stated they hope another ship would still be named in his honor if a change occurs.[ABC News]

It remains unconfirmed whether the Navy will officially proceed with renaming the carrier or which alternate ship might be assigned Miller's name.[ABC News]