*The future USS Doris Miller could soon have a different name, as the U.S. Navy reportedly considers changing the designation of the aircraft carrier honoring the Black World War II hero.
The Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, known as CVN-81, was intended to carry Miller’s name after the Navy announced the designation in 2020. Now, CNN reports that officials have been discussing whether to give the vessel another name, with President Donald Trump reportedly among the possibilities.
A change would be notable not only because of Miller’s legacy, but because naming the carrier for Trump while he is president would depart from longstanding Navy practice. Aircraft carriers have traditionally been named for former presidents, lawmakers and other prominent figures rather than sitting presidents.
Miller’s connection to the Navy dates back to 1941, when he enlisted after growing up in Waco, Texas. Two years later, he was serving aboard the USS West Virginia when Pearl Harbor came under attack.
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Amid the chaos, Miller helped move injured sailors to safety before taking over an anti-aircraft gun and firing at Japanese planes. He had not been trained to operate the weapon. His actions ultimately earned him the Navy Cross, making him the first Black American to receive the honor.
Miller was killed in 1943 after the USS Liscome Bay was struck by a torpedo and sank during fighting in the Pacific. His name has remained part of the Navy’s history, including through the USS Miller frigate, which was commissioned in 1973 and decommissioned in 1991.
The planned carrier was particularly significant because it would have been the first U.S. aircraft carrier named for a Black American and the first to recognize an enlisted sailor for conduct performed while serving in that rank.
According to The Hill, Miller’s family reportedly learned about the possible renaming through the news rather than being consulted beforehand. Meanwhile, Navy officials are examining broader rules surrounding ship names.
For now, the Pentagon has not announced a change to CVN-81’s name.
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