A future U.S. Navy aircraft carrier intended to honor one of the most important Black military heroes of World War II could receive another name, with President Donald Trump reportedly among the alternatives under consideration.
by Kevin Seraaj, J.D., M.Div. OrlandoAdvocate.com
The Navy announced in 2020 that the Ford-class carrier CVN-81 would become the USS Doris Miller, honoring Doris “Dorie” Miller for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. ABC News
Miller was a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia—one of the limited occupational roles generally available to Black sailors in the segregated Navy of the era.
When the attack began on Dec. 7, 1941, Miller helped move his wounded commanding officer and then manned an anti-aircraft weapon despite having received no formal training to use it.
He became the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross.
Naming an aircraft carrier for Miller carried additional historical significance: the ship would be the first carrier named for a Black American and an enlisted sailor.
But sources familiar with internal Navy discussions told ABC News and CNN that officials are considering another name for CVN-81 and that Trump’s name has been discussed. No final decision has been announced. ABC News
Naming a U.S. aircraft carrier after a sitting president would itself be unprecedented.
The Advocate Angle
The dispute reaches beyond one ship. It should not be reduced to another Trump controversy. The larger question is whose service America chooses to commemorate. Miller performed combat heroism in a segregated Navy that had largely confined Black sailors to service roles. When the nation once again called on Americans to serve, President Trump claimed he had a bone spur and avoided the draft.
Public memorials tell future generations whom the country believes is worthy of remembering.
Miller’s story is especially important because he demonstrated extraordinary courage while serving in a military that simultaneously limited his opportunity because of his race.
The question now facing the Navy is not simply whose name fits on a carrier.
It is whether a commitment already made to honor that history should be withdrawn.
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
