Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Navy renamed an oiler originally named after gay rights activist and veteran Harvey Milk to honor Chief Watertender Oscar Peterson instead.

Navy tanker named after Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay politician, will be renamed for Oscar V. Peterson, who sacrificed his life saving others in World War II.

Navy tanker named after Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay politician, will be renamed for Oscar V. Peterson, who sacrificed his life saving others in World War II.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. Credit: U.S. Department of Defense ...

A new Navy Destroyer has just been Christened, the USS Jeremiah Denton, named for the United States Senator and Mobile native.

The ship had formerly been named for the San Francisco city supervisor, who was murdered in 1978.

Pentagon appears to pause renaming of Navy ships No other changes are expected soon to the fleet of John Lewis-class ships, most of which are named after civil rights figures.

UPDATED: June 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM EDT Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday named Norfolk-based Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle to succeed Adm. Lisa Franchetti as Chief of Naval Operations.

The John Lewis-class replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk was named after gay rights icon and politician Harvey Milk, who served in the Navy for four years before being kicked out for being gay ...

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday named Norfolk-based Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle to succeed Adm. Lisa Franchetti as Chief of Naval Operations.