Pete Hegseth Reveals New USNS Harvey Milk Name

USNS Harvey Milk to Be Renamed USNS Oscar V. Peterson Amid “Woke Agenda” Uprooting

Defense officials announced the USNS harvey Milk will be renamed the USNS Oscar V.Peterson, citing a focus on honoring Medal of Honor recipients over political figures.

Defense officials announced the naval ship USNS Harvey Milk will be renamed the USNS Oscar V. Peterson, sparking debate over military tradition and political influence. The move aims to shift the focus to honoring valor and heroism.

“Taking the Politics Out of Ship Naming”

The decision to rename the fleet replenishment oiler comes as part of a broader initiative to remove what one official described as the “woke agenda” from the military. The renaming aims to restore a “warrior ethos,” according to a statement. The official added the change is intended to ensure personnel can take pride in the vessels they serve on.

The USNS Harvey Milk, named after california’s first openly gay politician, was originally commissioned in 2016 under the Obama Management. Milk, who served in the U.S.Navy during the Korean War, was forced to leave the service due to his sexuality, facing potential court-martial.

Reader question:-How do you think the Navy should balance honoring past figures with recognizing the evolving values of society when naming its ships?

Who Was Oscar V. Peterson?

Oscar Verner Peterson, a chief watertender from Prentice, Wisconsin, served on the U.S.S. Neosho during World War II. he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 7, 1942.

During an air attack by the Japanese,Peterson,despite severe wounds and burns,ensured the closure of bulkhead stop valves,actions that ultimately cost him his life.

Did you know?-The USS Neosho (AO-23) was a vital fleet oiler during WWII. After being heavily damaged in the Battle of the Coral sea, it was scuttled to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

His Medal of Honor citation reads,”Lacking assistance as of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded himself,Peterson,with no concern for his own life,closed the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in his death.”

His sacrifice, the citation continues, was “in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S.Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.” Peterson was 42 years old at the time of his death, leaving behind a wife and two sons.

“A United States Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, as It Should Be”

The decision to honor Peterson reflects a desire to move away from what a senior official characterized as politically motivated namings. “We’re not renaming the ship to anything political,” the official stated. “this is not about political activists, unlike the previous administration. instead, we’re renaming the ship after a United States Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, as it should be.”

Pro tip:-Medal of Honor recipients are often honored in various ways, including having military installations, ships, and other federal properties named after them, ensuring their legacy of valor endures.

The USNS Harvey Milk departs the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard after a ceremonial address in san Diego, California on November 6, 2021.

His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Teh Purpose of a USNS: Roles and Responsibilities

The USNS Oscar V. Peterson will soon take its place among the fleet of United States Naval Ships, but what exactly does that designation signify? Understanding the role USNS ships play illuminates the Navy’s operational structure and the broader context of the renaming decision. this includes the distinction between a USNS and a USS vessel.

Unlike USS (United States Ship) vessels, which are commissioned and crewed primarily by active-duty Navy personnel, USNS ships fall under the control of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) [[1]]. The MSC operates these ships with civilian mariners, though some may include a small military contingent for specific duties like communications or force protection [[1]]. Their primary function is to provide logistical support to the Navy and other military branches.

So, what are the main *roles* of a USNS?

• Replenishment: These ships resupply combatant vessels with fuel, food, ammunition, and other essential supplies while at sea. The USNS Harvey Milk, now the USNS Oscar V. Peterson, is a fleet replenishment oiler.
• Transportation: USNS vessels move military cargo and personnel across the globe. An example is the Large, Medium-Speed, Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) ships, which transport tanks, vehicles, and equipment [[2]].
• Specialized support: Some USNS ships perform specific missions, such as ocean surveillance, missile range support, and hospital services.

What’s the core difference between these roles?

USS ships are warships,while USNS ships are primarily support vessels. USS ships are combat-ready and integral to offensive and defensive operations. USNS ships enable those operations by providing critical support.

Is it always simple?

The lines can sometimes blur. USNS ships might have limited defensive capabilities or operate in areas where a military presence is necesary. Some USNS ships include a small military complement [[1]]

In essence, USNS vessels ensure that the Navy’s combat forces are supported and sustained, allowing them to project power and fulfill their missions worldwide.

What does this all mean for the renaming? This distinction offers greater insight into the Navy’s motivations.Honoring Medal of Honor recipients like Oscar V. Peterson emphasizes the values of service and sacrifice, reinforcing the “warrior ethos” the Navy seeks to highlight.

FAQ

What is the primary function of ships with a USNS designation?

USNS ships primarily supply support to the U.S. Navy, offering vital services like replenishment, transportation of military assets, and specialized mission execution.

How does the crew of a USNS vessel differ from that of a USS vessel?

USNS vessels are usually operated by civilian mariners under the MSC, whereas a USS ship’s crew consists primarily of active-duty Navy personnel.