Black war hero's family responds to ship renaming controversy

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Black War Hero’s Family Responds to Aircraft Carrier Renaming Controversy

Published: August 25, 2026

The family of Doris “Dorie” Miller, the Black U.S. Navy sailor who became a hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor, is speaking out after reports that a new aircraft carrier originally named in his honor could instead be named for President Donald Trump.

The Ford-class aircraft carrier CVN-81 was announced as the USS Doris Miller in 2020. Miller was honored for his bravery during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, when he helped move wounded sailors to safety and operated an anti-aircraft gun despite having no formal training on the weapon.

Family Says They Were Shocked

Members of Miller’s family say they learned about the possible name change through news reports rather than directly from Navy officials.

His great-nephew, Thomas Bledsoe, said the family was shocked by the reports and questioned why they had not been contacted about the potential change.

The controversy has grown as reports indicate that Navy officials have discussed renaming the carrier and that Trump's name has been considered. The Navy has not announced a final decision, and the Defense Department has said there is “nothing to announce at this time.” 

Remembering Doris Miller

Miller was serving aboard the USS West Virginia when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor.

Although Miller was a mess attendant and had not received formal training to operate an anti-aircraft weapon, he reportedly took control of a machine gun and fired at attacking Japanese aircraft. He also helped move his wounded commanding officer to safety.

For his actions, Miller received the Navy Cross, becoming the first Black American to receive the Navy's second-highest military award for valor at the time. He later died in 1943 when the aircraft carrier USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed in the Pacific.

Navy May Honor Miller With Another Ship

Reports indicate that the Navy may instead name another warship after Miller while also considering recommending him for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor.

However, the possibility of removing his name from CVN-81 has sparked criticism because the carrier was intended to represent a historic recognition of Miller as both an enlisted sailor and a Black American.

If the carrier were ultimately named for Trump while he is serving as president, it would also be an unprecedented move, as no U.S. aircraft carrier has previously been named for a sitting president.

A Decision Still Pending

For now, no official renaming has been announced. The carrier remains under construction in Virginia, with its keel-laying ceremony expected later this year.

The controversy has nevertheless reignited a broader conversation about how the U.S. military honors its heroes—and whether Miller's historic legacy should remain attached to the aircraft carrier specifically designated to bear his name.