Kathmandu— The US Navy is reportedly considering renaming the future USS Doris Miller – an aircraft carrier originally designated to honor World War II hero Doris Miller – after President Donald Trump. Discussions about potentially sidelining the recognition of Miller, a Black sailor who distinguished himself during the attack on Pearl Harbor, have been ongoing within the service and prompted a review of vessel naming conventions. The deliberations come as President Trump has expressed significant interest in naval shipbuilding and issued directives regarding carrier technology.

Honoring Doris Miller

The USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) is slated to be the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, expected to be commissioned in the mid-2030s. The decision to name the ship after Miller was initially made under the first Trump administration, recognizing his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite being an enlisted cook without formal weapons training, Miller managed to shoot down at least one Japanese aircraft during the attack and became the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross for his actions.

Shift in Designation

Sources familiar with the matter report that within recent conversations, the US Navy has reportedly ceased referring to the ship as the USS Doris Miller, instead using its hull number, CVN-81. The service is also reviewing rules governing vessel appellation, as naming a carrier after a sitting president would be an unprecedented and controversial step. Additionally, consideration is being given to renaming a different warship after Miller and posthumously recommending him for the Medal of Honor.

Trump’s Shipbuilding Interests

President Trump has demonstrated considerable interest in naval shipbuilding during his second term. Last year, he announced plans for a ‘Golden Fleet’ of large battleships – dubbed the “Trump-class” – envisioned as being significantly more powerful than existing vessels. He initially approved construction of two such ships, with potential for up to 25. This proposal reportedly led to the dismissal of Navy Secretary John Phelan in April, allegedly due to his inability to deliver a plan for building the battleships on an unrealistic timeline.

Technological Directives

A recent executive order from President Trump directed the Pentagon and US Navy to explore replacing electromagnetic aircraft launch systems on carriers with older steam and hydraulic catapults. This directive also referred to the future carrier solely by its hull number, CVN-81.

The US Navy continues to deliberate on the naming of the aircraft carrier, balancing recognition of a decorated war hero with potential precedent-setting honors for a sitting president.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.