The US Navy is considering renaming the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which is currently planned to be named after Doris Miller, TodayPress TV reports, citing CNN.
Three sources familiar with discussions within the US Navy provided the information.
Miller served as a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. During the attack, he helped wounded personnel and participated in the ship’s defense. Miller later became the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cross.
The future aircraft carrier, designated CVN-81, has not yet entered the main construction phase. According to CNN, the possibility of naming the vessel after US President Donald Trump has also been discussed within the US Navy. However, no final decision has been made on the new name, and the ship could ultimately be named after another individual.
Traditionally, the US Navy names aircraft carriers after presidents, but usually does so after their presidential terms have ended. If CVN-81 is indeed named after Trump, it would be an unprecedented development, as it would become the first warship named in honor of a sitting president.
However, the aircraft carrier is expected to enter service in the mid-2030s, after Trump’s current presidential term ends.
