Navy Renames USNS Harvey Milk to USNS Oscar V. Peterson, Honoring WWII Hero

Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk

• 🚢 The Department of the Navy is officially renaming the Fleet Replenishment Oiler, formerly USNS Harvey Milk, to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson.
• 🏛️ This change signifies a move to remove political activism from ship naming, as stated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Honoring Chief Oscar V. Peterson

• 🎖️ The renaming honors Oscar V. Peterson, a United States Navy Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
• 🌊 Peterson served as a Chief Water Tender during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
• 💥 While serving on the USS Neosho, which was severely damaged by Japanese dive bombers, Peterson led a repair party.
• 🔥 Despite being gravely wounded, Peterson single-handedly closed bulkhead stop valves, helping to keep the ship operational.
• 🎗️ His actions, marked by self-sacrifice and concern for his crew, led to tragic further injuries and burns, resulting in his death.
• 🏅 For his heroic actions, Oscar Peterson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Navy Traditions and Pride

• ⚓ The decision aims to ensure people are proud of the ship they are sailing in.
• 📜 The USNS Oscar V. Peterson is officially welcomed to the Navy's vessel register, reflecting a return to honoring valor and heroism.