The USS Doris Miller: A Name Too Good to Be Scrapped

The US Navy’s consideration of renaming a new aircraft carrier from Doris Miller, the Black hero who saved countless lives at Pearl Harbor, is a stark reminder that racism and politics can quietly dictate cultural priorities.

Doris Miller was more than just a mess attendant who instinctively took up a machine gun to fight off Japanese bombers; he embodied courage and selflessness that America has long professed to admire. Yet, his legacy is now being put at risk by a decision driven by a desire to name a carrier after Donald Trump – a move that would set a dubious precedent.

No aircraft carrier has ever been named after a sitting president in US history; the precedent for naming these vessels typically falls on notable military figures or patriotic themes. This potential change speaks to how we choose to honor our heroes and what values we uphold as a nation.

Miller’s great-nephew, Thomas Bledsoe, has advocated for his uncle’s Medal of Honor for years; now it seems that this recognition may finally come – albeit in a way that feels both welcome and tainted. The Navy’s reported willingness to award the medal posthumously is a testament to Miller’s enduring impact on American history.

The current state of affairs raises more questions than answers: are other names in consideration for the USS Gerald R. Ford-class carrier? What does this say about our priorities as a nation, particularly when it comes to honoring and recognizing African-American contributions to our military heritage?

This incident is part of a broader narrative – one where politics seems increasingly intertwined with the nation’s defense policies. Trump’s recent national security memorandum directing changes in aircraft carrier technology has sparked controversy, raising concerns over costs and effectiveness.

As the USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to relieve the troubled Abraham Lincoln, questions linger about how our military priorities are being shaped by politicians rather than strategists. The story of Doris Miller serves as a poignant reminder that values like courage and sacrifice matter – but only if they align with those who hold power.

In this era of shifting defense priorities and heightened scrutiny over military spending, we must ask ourselves: what does it mean to honor our heroes? Is it merely about the names we choose or the medals we award? Or is there something more profound at stake here – a reflection of our nation’s values and its priorities for the future?

The story of Doris Miller serves as a stark reminder that history can be rewritten by those in power. But it also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of individuals who have risked everything for their country, even when their own stories are forgotten or marginalized.

Ultimately, whether we choose to name our aircraft carriers after heroes like Doris Miller or politicians like Donald Trump, one thing is clear: the names we give these vessels say more about us than they do about them.