U.S. Navy Has Stopped Using Doris Miller Ship Name

The Navy has ceased referring to a future aircraft carrier by the name previously announced in 2020.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a minimalist dark silhouette of a ship against a light background, symbolizing naval policy and administrative change. — The U.S. Navy has ceased using the name USS Doris Miller for aircraft carrier CVN-81, fueling speculation about a possible renaming of the vessel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the Navy keep its original naming plan for the new aircraft carrier?

The U.S. Navy has stopped using the name USS Doris Miller to refer to the aircraft carrier currently designated as CVN-81. While no official name change has been announced, the move has prompted public concern and local resolutions regarding the decision.

Why it matters

News reports have suggested the military may intend to rename the vessel to honor President Donald Trump. This potential shift has sparked pushback, including a formal resolution from American Legion Post 100 urging the Navy to retain the original name.

The aircraft carrier, designated CVN-81, was previously scheduled for delivery and active service in February 2034. The official naming status remains under investigation following the Navy's decision to drop the Doris Miller moniker.

The players

Doris Miller

He was a U.S. Navy mess attendant who became the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

American Legion Post 100

This veterans organization adopted a formal resolution to express opposition to the potential renaming of the aircraft carrier.

President Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States who has been cited in reports as a potential namesake for the vessel.

The details

Doris Miller was a decorated Navy Cross recipient who served as a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia until he was killed in action in November 1943. His historical significance as the first Black recipient of the Navy Cross made the original 2020 naming announcement a major milestone for the branch.

Doris Miller joined the U.S. Navy in September 1939.
Doris Miller was killed in action in November 1943.
The Navy announced the ship would be named USS Doris Miller on January 20, 2020.
The carrier is planned for delivery and active service in February 2034.

Political Context

Naming conventions for military vessels often serve as symbols of national values and historical recognition within the U.S. Navy. The departure from the previously announced name is being countered by veterans groups who argue that the original choice honors a vital piece of military history.

The potential renaming of a major military vessel signals a shift in institutional priorities for the U.S. Navy. Citizens interested in historical military recognition should monitor official Navy announcements regarding the final designation of CVN-81.

The takeaway

The naming of naval vessels carries significant weight for veterans and the general public as it reflects how the military chooses to memorialize its history. Understanding these naming shifts provides insight into the priorities and evolving legacy of the U.S. armed forces.