USS Doris Miller could be renamed Donald Trump: The heroic story behind Doris “Dorie” Miller
Doris “Dorie” Miller
The future USS Doris Miller aircraft carrier has become the center of a growing debate after reports that the U.S. Navy is considering changing its name, with President Donald Trump reportedly among the names under consideration.
The Ford-class aircraft carrier, designated CVN-81, was named for Doris “Dorie” Miller in 2020 during Trump’s first term. The decision was historic because the ship was intended to become the first U.S. aircraft carrier named after an enlisted sailor and the first named for a Black American.
No official decision to rename the ship has been publicly announced. The Pentagon has said it has nothing to announce regarding the ship’s name, while the reported discussions have already triggered criticism from lawmakers, veterans’ advocates and others who view Miller’s legacy as an important part of U.S. military history.
Who Was Doris “Dorie” Miller?
Doris Miller was born in Waco, Texas, in 1919 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1939, at a time when the American military was still segregated.
Black sailors were largely restricted to service positions rather than combat roles. Miller served as a mess attendant aboard the battleship USS West Virginia, a role that reflected the racial limitations imposed on Black service members at the time.
His military career changed dramatically on December 7, 1941, when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor.
During the attack, Miller helped carry wounded sailors to safety, including his mortally wounded commanding officer. According to Navy accounts, he subsequently operated a .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun despite having no formal training with the weapon.
Miller continued firing at Japanese aircraft until he ran out of ammunition. He then helped evacuate sailors from the damaged vessel.
His actions at Pearl Harbor turned him into one of the most prominent enlisted heroes of the attack.
Doris Miller Became the First Black Sailor to Receive the Navy Cross
Miller was awarded the Navy Cross, one of the U.S. military’s highest decorations for valor. He became the first Black sailor to receive the award.
Admiral Chester Nimitz presented Miller with the Navy Cross at Pearl Harbor in May 1942.
The recognition was significant not only because of Miller’s actions during the attack but also because of the racial barriers that existed within the U.S. military at the time. His story subsequently became a symbol of courage and service among generations of American sailors.
Miller continued serving in the Pacific during World War II.
In November 1943, he was killed when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed during operations in the Pacific. Miller was only 24 years old.
Why Was the USS Doris Miller Naming Historic?
The Navy announced the naming of the future carrier USS Doris Miller in January 2020.
The decision was described as recognition of Miller’s bravery and the contributions of enlisted sailors whose service had historically received less recognition.
The naming was particularly significant because aircraft carriers have traditionally been named after major national figures, including presidents and other prominent Americans. Naming an aircraft carrier after Miller would break new ground by honoring an enlisted sailor and a Black American.
The ship’s designation is CVN-81, making it part of the Navy’s Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier program.
The proposed naming also carried symbolic importance for the Navy’s history, particularly given the segregation Miller experienced during his service.
Why Could the Aircraft Carrier Be Renamed?
Reports indicate that the Navy is reviewing its broader policies concerning the naming of warships. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has reportedly been examining guidance governing ship names, including questions surrounding the naming of vessels after presidents.
The possibility of renaming CVN-81 has attracted particular attention because Donald Trump is reportedly among the names being considered.
However, the distinction between reports and confirmed policy is important. There has been no publicly announced final decision to rename the ship.
The Pentagon has also said there is currently nothing to announce concerning the name.
If the carrier were ultimately named after Trump while he remains president, it would be an unusual move. U.S. aircraft carriers have historically been named after past presidents and other major figures, rather than sitting presidents.
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Lawmakers and Veterans’ Advocates Raise Concerns
The reported possibility of renaming the USS Doris Miller has prompted criticism from some lawmakers and military figures.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, publicly criticized the reported proposal. He highlighted Miller’s actions during the Pearl Harbor attack and argued that the carrier should not be renamed.
Miller’s family has also been drawn into the controversy. His great-nephew, Thomas Bledsoe, told CNN that the family had not been informed about a potential name change.
Bledsoe has also welcomed efforts to secure additional recognition for Miller, including a renewed push to award him the Medal of Honor.
The family’s position adds another dimension to the debate over whether the carrier should retain Miller’s name.
What Would a Donald Trump Aircraft Carrier Name Mean?
A decision to rename CVN-81 for Donald Trump would carry considerable political and historical significance.
Trump’s name has already been associated with prominent institutions and properties, while his administration is also reviewing Navy naming policies. An aircraft carrier bearing the name of a sitting president would represent a departure from traditional practice.
The debate also comes at a time when military history, national symbols and the naming of public institutions have become politically sensitive issues in the United States.
For supporters of the proposal, naming a major warship after a president could represent recognition of Trump’s leadership. Critics, however, argue that replacing Miller’s name would diminish recognition of an enlisted sailor whose actions at Pearl Harbor have been celebrated for generations.
Has the USS Doris Miller Been Officially Renamed?
No.
Based on the information currently available, no official announcement has confirmed that the future USS Doris Miller will be renamed Donald Trump.
The Pentagon has said it has nothing to announce regarding the ship’s name, while reports indicate that discussions about possible changes are taking place.
Until the Navy formally announces a decision, USS Doris Miller remains the reported name of CVN-81.
Why Doris Miller’s Legacy Still Matters
The controversy has brought renewed attention to a sailor whose story extends beyond the question of a ship’s name.
Miller served his country during a period when Black Americans faced institutional discrimination within the military. Despite being assigned to a service role, he responded during one of the most consequential attacks in American history and helped save fellow sailors.
His actions at Pearl Harbor earned him the Navy Cross and made him a lasting figure in U.S. military history.
Whether CVN-81 ultimately keeps the name USS Doris Miller or receives another designation remains unresolved. For now, the reported proposal has reopened a larger conversation about who gets remembered through America’s most visible military symbols.
FAQ
Who was Doris Miller?
Doris “Dorie” Miller was a U.S. Navy sailor from Waco, Texas, who became known for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He helped rescue wounded sailors and operated an anti-aircraft gun despite having no formal training on the weapon.
What did Doris Miller do at Pearl Harbor?
Miller helped move wounded sailors to safety after the USS West Virginia came under attack. He also operated a .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and fired at attacking Japanese aircraft until he ran out of ammunition.
Did Doris Miller receive the Navy Cross?
Yes. Miller received the Navy Cross for his actions during the Pearl Harbor attack. He became the first Black sailor to receive the decoration.
When was the USS Doris Miller announced?
The Navy announced the future USS Doris Miller in January 2020, during Donald Trump’s first presidential term.
What is the USS Doris Miller?
The USS Doris Miller is the planned name for CVN-81, a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The naming was intended to honor Doris Miller and recognize the contributions of enlisted sailors.
Is the USS Doris Miller being renamed Donald Trump?
There has been no publicly announced final decision to rename the carrier. Reports indicate that the Navy has discussed possible changes to the ship’s name, with Donald Trump reportedly among the names being considered.
Has Donald Trump officially been given a Navy aircraft carrier?
No. The information provided does not establish that Trump has officially been given the USS Doris Miller or another aircraft carrier. Any potential change to CVN-81’s name remains unconfirmed.
Why is the possible USS Doris Miller renaming controversial?
The controversy stems largely from the historic significance of Miller’s name. He was a Black enlisted sailor who became a decorated World War II hero after his actions at Pearl Harbor. Critics argue that removing his name from the aircraft carrier would diminish recognition of his legacy.
Why was the USS Doris Miller naming considered historic?
The ship was intended to be the first U.S. aircraft carrier named after an enlisted sailor and the first named after a Black American.
How did Doris Miller die?
Miller was killed in November 1943 when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed during World War II operations in the Pacific. He was 24 years old.
Is Doris Miller being considered for the Medal of Honor?
According to the supplied report, Miller’s great-nephew said the family welcomed a renewed effort to award Miller the Medal of Honor. The report does not state that the Medal of Honor has been awarded.
What is CVN-81?
CVN-81 is the designation of the future Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that was announced as the USS Doris Miller.
Who decides the names of U.S. Navy ships?
Navy ship naming decisions are governed by official policies and made through the U.S. government and Navy leadership. The supplied report says the Navy is reviewing guidance concerning warship names.
Could a Navy aircraft carrier be named after a sitting president?
The reported proposal would be unusual because aircraft carriers have traditionally been named after past presidents and other major national figures rather than sitting presidents. Whether current rules would permit such a move depends on the Navy’s applicable naming guidance and any decision by the appropriate authorities.
What has the Pentagon said about the USS Doris Miller name?
The Pentagon told Newsweek that it had nothing to announce at the time regarding the name of the ship.
Is the USS Doris Miller still officially called USS Doris Miller?
Based on the information provided, no renaming has been officially announced, so the planned carrier continues to be identified as USS Doris Miller/CVN-81 in the available reporting.
Why is Doris Miller important to U.S. military history?
Miller’s story is significant because he demonstrated extraordinary courage during Pearl Harbor despite serving in a segregated Navy that largely restricted Black sailors to service roles. His actions helped challenge prevailing assumptions about the role and capabilities of Black service members.
What is the main issue in the USS Doris Miller and Donald Trump debate?
The central issue is whether CVN-81 should retain the name of a celebrated Pearl Harbor hero or potentially receive a different name, reportedly including Donald Trump’s. No final decision had been publicly announced in the supplied reporting.