US Navy considers renaming aircraft carrier from Doris Miller to Donald Trump

The United States Navy is considering renaming its next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, currently designated CVN-81, from Doris Miller to Donald Trump. This potential change has drawn criticism from the family of the World War II hero.

Doris Miller, a Black sailor who served on the USS West Virginia, became the first Black man to receive the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Navy had officially announced the naming of the vessel after Miller three years ago in a ceremony intended to honor military members of all races and backgrounds.

If the name is changed to Donald Trump, he would become the first sitting U.S. president to have an aircraft carrier named after him during his term in office. Previous presidents honored with such vessels, including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, received the distinction after leaving the presidency. The ship is currently under construction and is scheduled for launch in 2034.