WASHINGTON: The US Navy is considering renaming the future aircraft carrier CVN-81, with internal discussions including naming the vessel after President Donald Trump.
CNN reported Friday that the Ford-class carrier had previously been designated USS Doris Miller in honour of the Black sailor decorated for his actions during Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour.
CNN cited sources familiar with internal discussions as saying the Navy had effectively stopped referring to the vessel as USS Doris Miller and was using only its hull number, CVN-81.
However, no final decision has been announced. A Department of Defence spokesperson told CNN there was nothing to announce at the time. Naming an aircraft carrier after a sitting US president would be unprecedented.
Meanwhile, the Navy is considering naming another warship after Miller and recommending him posthumously for the Medal of Honour. Final authorisation for the award would require congressional action and presidential approval.
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Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and his office have also been reviewing official ship-naming guidance, CNN reported.
The Navy faces pressure to settle the carrier’s name before its keel-laying ceremony expected later this year.
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CVN-81 is not expected to be delivered until 2034 due to shipbuilding constraints, according to USNI News.
Miller received the Navy Cross in 1942 after operating an anti-aircraft gun despite having no training on the weapon and helping wounded sailors during the Pearl Harbour attack. He was killed in 1943 during the Battle of Makin.
