The name of Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller might be removed from an upcoming U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. President Trump’s name is reportedly being considered as a replacement. The Navy has been discussing renaming the future USS Doris Miller, a Gerald R. Ford-class carrier designated CVN-81, according to CNN. No formal decision has been announced.

The carrier was named for Miller in January 2020 during a Pearl Harbor ceremony. Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly stated the choice honored Miller and generations of enlisted sailors. He emphasized the contributions of enlisted personnel from diverse backgrounds. Family members of Miller reacted after the unveiling of the USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

“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.” – Thomas Modly

The naming was historic. It marked the first U.S. aircraft carrier named for a Black American and the first named for a sailor honored for actions during enlisted service.

Miller was born in Waco, Texas, on October 12, 1919, and joined the Navy in 1939. During the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, Miller assisted wounded sailors and operated an anti-aircraft gun against Japanese planes without prior training. He was later awarded the Navy Cross, the first Black American to receive the honor.

Miller died in action in November 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific. The Navy previously honored him with the Knox-class frigate USS Miller, in service from 1973 to 1991.

Sources told CNN the renaming discussions have continued for months, and the ship is increasingly referred to internally by its hull number, CVN-81. Trump’s name is among those considered if renaming occurs. Miller’s family was uninformed about his name’s potential removal. Official records still identify CVN-81 as the future USS Doris Miller.

Nexstar’s KWKT contacted the U.S. Navy’s Office of Information, which stated nothing to share currently.

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