The U.S. Navy is reportedly considering a proposal to rename an aircraft carrier currently named after World War II hero Doris Miller. Sources familiar with the matter told ABC News that the Pentagon may strip the vessel of Miller's name to potentially rename it after former President Donald Trump.
Doris Miller, a Black mess attendant, became a national hero for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Despite being untrained in combat, Miller manned a .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and shot down multiple enemy planes. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery, becoming one of the first African Americans to receive the honor.
The aircraft carrier, christened USS Doris Miller, was named in his honor in 2021. The decision to name the ship after Miller was seen as a significant recognition of his service and a step towards acknowledging the contributions of Black servicemen in U.S. military history.
Details regarding the specifics of the potential renaming proposal, including the timeline and the formal process, were not immediately available. The reported consideration comes amid ongoing discussions about naval vessel names and historical recognition within the Department of Defense.