The United States Navy is weighing a historic and controversial proposal to rename an aircraft carrier currently under construction, shifting its designation from USS Doris Miller to USS Donald J. Trump, according to reports from CNN citing three anonymous sources. The potential change breaks longstanding military precedent regarding naming vessels after living people and sets up a profound shift in how the nation honors its military heritage.
The Origins of the USS Doris Miller Designation
The original name honoring mess attendant Doris Miller was announced in 2020 during Donald Trump’s first presidential term. Miller earned renown for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Serving in the ship’s galley—one of the few roles open to Black sailors at the time—Miller manned an anti-aircraft machine gun without prior training to defend his vessel and assist wounded shipmates as it sank. According to CNN, Navy officials are discussing alternative plans to name a different, newly commissioned warship after Miller instead, though details on that vessel remain unconfirmed. Two sources indicated to CNN that the alternative ship could alternatively carry the Trump name.
Breaking Precedent on Naming Ships After Living Figures
Naming United States naval vessels after living individuals has historically remained a strict taboo within the armed forces. Furthermore, designating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier after a sitting president would mark a completely unprecedented move in American history.
Potential Honors and Upcoming Construction Milestones
Alongside the debate over the ship’s moniker, military officials are discussing whether to posthumously award Miller the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. The keel-laying ceremony—marking the formal beginning of construction for the carrier hull—is scheduled to take place later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Doris Miller?
Doris Miller was a U.S. Navy mess attendant who displayed extraordinary heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor, defending his sinking ship and helping fellow sailors.
Has a U.S. aircraft carrier ever been named after a living person?
No.
What is the current construction status of the ship?
The vessel is currently under construction, with the formal keel-laying ceremony scheduled for later this year.
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