A family is expressing their outrage after reports surfaced indicating that the U.S. Navy intends to rename the USS Doris Miller, an aircraft carrier currently under construction. This shift is seen as a slight against the legacy of Doris Miller, a celebrated Black war hero known for his bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack.

CNN revealed on Thursday that the Navy has ceased using the name Doris Miller for the carrier and is deliberating a new designation for the vessel. The decision arrives amid an array of issues facing the fleet, including the troubled conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has drawn the ire of some officials.

Doris Miller’s legacy includes remarkable actions on December 7, 1941, when he manned a machine gun during the assault on Pearl Harbor, earning acclaim for his heroism. His story was popularized in the 2001 movie “Pearl Harbor,” where he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

The news of the renaming has shocked and angered Miller’s family, particularly his great-nephew Thomas Bledsoe. Speaking on CNN, Bledsoe highlighted the family’s surprise at learning about the Navy’s plans from the media, rather than being directly informed by military officials.

Bledsoe stated, “For our family, it was quite a shock to hear that there was conversation about the possibility of renaming the Doris Miller carrier.” His reaction was echoed by other family members who felt blindsided by the announcement.

The family expressed concern that the decision to rename the ship has profound implications, not only for the memory of Doris Miller but also for America’s understanding of its own history, particularly regarding race and honor within the military.

Moreover, Bledsoe noted that while the Navy is contemplating awarding Miller the Medal of Honor, the highest military accolade, the timing of such gestures raises questions. “It caused a lot of concerns and uncertainty,” he shared, emphasizing the disconnection between honoring Miller’s legacy and the decision to rename the ship.

In response to the growing controversy, Bledsoe urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to contemplate the societal ramifications of renaming the carrier. “I would really want someone to take the time to realize the true impact of changing the name and what it would do to society,” he remarked.

He further articulated that “Doris Miller stands for so much about America and who we are today,” asserting that honoring his service is critical for fostering a significant dialogue around race and patriotism.

The call for respect towards Miller’s legacy is not just a family concern; many veterans and historians feel similarly. Activists have argued against the erasure of Black figures in military history, emphasizing the importance of representing diverse stories within the armed forces.

The Navy’s decision to stop referring to the carrier by its original name coincides with an ongoing debate about how military history is portrayed and remembered. Reactions to the potential renaming have sparked discussions across social media platforms, with many users expressing outrage.

Following the reports, various community leaders and historians are calling for a reconsideration of the renaming process. They stress that the historical context surrounding figures like Doris Miller should be honored and retained within military nomenclature.

As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about how the military honors its heroes and whether the decisions made currently reflect the values the U.S. aims to uphold. The shift in naming policies might be viewed as indicative of a broader struggle to reconcile the past with present ideals.

In the coming days, additional insights from military officials are expected. Whether they will heed the family’s concerns and re-evaluate the name change remains to be seen.

The renaming of the USS Doris Miller will not just affect the legacy of a single individual but also has the potential to impact national conversations surrounding race, remembrance, and honor within the military context.

Ultimately, this controversy serves as a reminder of the struggles to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all Americans in the history of the armed forces, ensuring that every voice and story is acknowledged.

As the Navy moves forward with its plans, the voices of Doris Miller’s descendants and their advocates will undoubtedly continue to echo, urging recognition of a legacy rooted in valor and service.