Potential Renaming of USS Doris Miller Aircraft Carrier Sparks Debate

WACO, Texas — Discussions are underway about potentially removing Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller’s name from one of the U.S. Navy’s upcoming aircraft carriers. Reports suggest President Trump’s name is among those being considered as a replacement.

The Navy has been contemplating the renaming of the future USS Doris Miller, with CNN reporting on the internal discussions around the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier designated CVN-81. There has been no formal decision announced yet.

The vessel was named after Miller in January 2020 during a ceremony held at Pearl Harbor. Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly highlighted the importance of the selection, stressing recognition of not only Miller himself but also generations of enlisted sailors. Modly emphasized that the decision honored contributions from all enlisted ranks, regardless of race, religion, or background.

“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 said.

Doris “Dorie” Miller’s family had attendees react after witnessing the unveiling of the new aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in 2020.

This naming marks a milestone as the USS Doris Miller is set to be the first aircraft carrier named after a Black American, and further stands out as the first named to honor a sailor’s actions performed as part of the enlisted ranks.

Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on October 12, 1919. He enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and was aboard the battleship USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. During the attack, Miller assisted wounded sailors and took charge of an anti-aircraft gun, firing at Japanese planes despite lacking formal training.

Miller’s heroism earned him the Navy Cross, making him the first Black American to receive this prestigious award. Tragically, he was killed in action in November 1943 when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay was sunk in the Pacific.

The Navy previously honored Miller through the Knox-class frigate USS Miller, commissioned in 1973 until 1991.

Anonymous sources from CNN indicate discussions of renaming the USS Doris Miller have persisted for months, with the ship increasingly referred to by its hull number, CVN-81. These sources suggest Trump’s name is on the list of potential new names if the carrier is renamed.

Miller’s family communicated to CNN that they hadn’t been notified about the potential removal of his name. The official Navy history continues to refer to CVN-81 as the future USS Doris Miller.

Nexstar’s KWKT sought answers from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Information, who currently has no updates to share regarding the situation.