US Navy Considers Renaming Historic Aircraft Carrier After Donald Trump
Washington, Friday, 21 August 2026.
The U.S. Navy is reviewing proposals to rename aircraft carrier CVN-81, originally designated to honor World War II hero Doris Miller, after former President Donald Trump.
Naval Administration Reviews Carrier Naming Protocols
As of 21 August 2026, the U.S. Navy is actively considering a proposal to rename the future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier CVN-81, currently designated as the USS Doris Miller, to honor former President Donald Trump [1][2]. This potential renaming represents a significant shift in defense policy symbolism and has sparked debate regarding military naming conventions [1]. Internal discussions within Navy leadership indicate that the vessel is increasingly being referred to only by its hull number, CVN-81, rather than its previously announced name [1][2]. The proposal emerged in reports dated 20 August 2026, suggesting the decision is in the consideration phase rather than finalized policy [1][2].
Historical Significance of the USS Doris Miller Designation
The aircraft carrier was originally named to commemorate Doris Miller, a World War II hero and the first African American awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry during the Pearl Harbor attack [1][2]. The intent to name the carrier after Miller was announced on 20 January 2020 by former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly at Pearl Harbor [2]. This designation marked the first time an aircraft carrier would be named for an enlisted sailor and an African American [1]. Miller, a Waco native and Navy mess attendant, famously manned an anti-aircraft gun without training to defend his ship during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack [1].
Administrative Oversight and Policy Initiatives
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and his office have been reviewing naming protocols for ships named after individuals and presidents since early 2026 [2]. In 2025, former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan established a renaming commission to review naval ship naming policies, with sources indicating a preference for limiting aircraft carrier names to presidents, admirals, or naval battles [2]. The Navy is reportedly proposing to name a different warship after Miller while simultaneously recommending him for the Medal of Honor, though his family reports no official updates on this process [1][2]. Thomas Bledsoe, Miller’s second cousin once removed, stated that the family had not been informed of the possible renaming of the ship [2].
Project Timelines and Construction Deadlines
The Navy faces a tight deadline to finalize the carrier’s name ahead of its scheduled keel-laying ceremony at the end of 2026 [1][2]. Construction limitations dictate that the aircraft carrier is not projected for delivery to the fleet until 2034, leaving 8 years of construction remaining [2]. The final name for CVN-81 must be determined before the keel-laying ceremony, creating pressure on administration officials to conclude the review process [1][2]. Any award for Miller would require final approval from Congress and the President, adding another layer of legislative procedure to the timeline [1].