The potential renaming of the future USS Doris Miller has sparked attention. Reports indicate that President Trump’s name is being considered to replace Doris Miller on the next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, designated CVN-81. Although the U.S. Navy has not made a formal decision, these discussions were reported by CNN.
The USS Doris Miller was named in January 2020 during a Pearl Harbor ceremony. Thomas Modly, the Acting Secretary of the Navy at the time, stated the name honored generations of enlisted sailors. “In selecting this name, we honor the contributions of all our enlisted ranks, past and present, men and women, of every race, religion, and background,” Modly stated.
This naming was a historic occasion. It would be the first U.S. aircraft carrier to carry the name of a Black American and the first in honor of an enlisted sailor. Doris Miller, born in Waco, Texas, in 1919, joined the Navy in 1939. During the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller aided wounded sailors and manned an anti-aircraft gun, despite lacking formal training, aiming at Japanese aircraft. He became the first Black American awarded the Navy Cross for valor.
Miller’s legacy is also recognized by the Knox-class frigate USS Miller, which served from 1973 to 1991. His life was tragically cut short in November 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay sank during Pacific operations.
According to anonymous sources cited by CNN, talks of renaming the vessel have been ongoing for months. This ship, referred to internally as CVN-81, might bear Trump’s name if a renaming occurs. Meanwhile, Miller’s family disclosed to CNN they were not informed about the renaming considerations. Nonetheless, Navy records continue to list the ship as the future USS Doris Miller.
When contacted, the Navy’s Office of Information stated there is currently nothing to announce. Official Navy historical records still identify CVN-81 as the USS Doris Miller. The situation remains unresolved, with the ship’s naming continuing to draw interest.