U.S. Sen. Cory Booker has introduced legislation aimed at preserving the name of the future USS Doris Miller, after reports that Navy leaders were considering removing the Black World War II hero’s name from the aircraft carrier and potentially naming it for President Donald Trump.
The New Jersey Democrat’s proposal would prohibit federal funds from being used to rename or redesignate the Ford-class carrier, identified as CVN-81, from the USS Doris Miller. The measure was formally introduced Sept. 30 and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee, according to the Congressional Record and Booker’s official legislation list.
The legislation responds to reports in August that Navy officials were discussing a possible name change. Two officials told ABC News that leadership had considered replacing Miller’s name with Trump’s, although the Navy has not publicly announced a final decision to rename the vessel.
CVN-81 is under construction in Virginia and is expected to become the first U.S. aircraft carrier named for an African American and the first named for an enlisted sailor. The Navy announced the selection in January 2020, during Trump’s first administration.
Doris “Dorie” Miller was born in Waco, Texas, in 1919 and enlisted in the Navy in 1939. At a time when segregation restricted many Black sailors to service roles, Miller worked as a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia.
During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Miller helped move the ship’s mortally wounded captain to greater safety and then operated an antiaircraft machine gun despite having no formal training on the weapon. He remained at his post until ordered to leave the bridge.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz presented Miller with the Navy Cross in May 1942. He was the first Black American to receive the award, one of the Navy’s highest honors for valor. Miller later served aboard the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay and was killed when the ship was torpedoed in November 1943.
The Naval History and Heritage Command continues to identify the future carrier as the USS Doris Miller and documents his service and sacrifice.
The naming debate has drawn objections from the Congressional Black Caucus and senior lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Critics argue that removing Miller’s name would diminish a rare national tribute to a Black enlisted sailor whose heroism challenged the Navy’s own segregation-era barriers.
Supporters of Booker’s measure also emphasize that the issue extends beyond one ship. Military names help determine whose service becomes part of the nation’s public memory. Because CVN-81 would be the first carrier to honor a Black American, any change would carry particular historical weight.
The bill has not become law, and its future in the Republican-controlled Congress is uncertain. For now, the official name remains USS Doris Miller while construction continues.
Sources: Congressional Record, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. Navy, Sen. Cory Booker’s official legislation record, ABC News and the Congressional Black Caucus.
