NAACP Strongly Condemns Potential Plans To Strip Black WWII Hero's Name From Aircraft Carrier

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2026

Contact: communications@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — The NAACP strongly condemns reports that the U.S. Navy and administration officials are considering stripping the name of World War II hero Doris "Dorie" Miller from the under-construction aircraft carrier CVN-81. Multiple official sources indicate that discussions are underway to potentially rename the vessel after a sitting president, casting aside a historic tribute to an American icon.

Originally named in 2020, the USS Doris Miller was celebrated nationwide as a milestone achievement: the first-ever supercarrier named in honor of an enlisted sailor and the first named after an African American. Doris Miller, a Navy Cook Third Class, demonstrated extraordinary courage during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Without prior training and under intense enemy fire, he manned an anti-aircraft machine gun to defend his shipmates and helped evacuate wounded personnel. For his exceptional valor, he became the first Black service member to be awarded the Navy Cross.

Civil rights leaders and veterans across the nation are expressing profound disappointment over internal Navy communications and recent directives that have reverted to calling the ship strictly by its hull number, CVN-81, amid the rumored pivot in naming rights.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following statement:
"Doris Miller earned his place in American history through courage, sacrifice, and service. Donald Trump only wants to serve himself. 

This is a slap in the face to every war hero and to every service member who has worn the uniform.  It's beyond comprehension for a president to want his own name on a Navy ship while our armed forces are living in deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

For generations, millions of Black women and men have proudly served in the United States military, defending freedoms that too often were not even afforded to them, their families, or their communities. Donald Trump is making a mockery of that legacy by treating military service as another opportunity for personal branding. 

Our brave service members signed up to defend the nation, not the fragile ego of one man. America deserves better than this."

"Doris Miller represented the very best of our armed forces — courage, selflessness, and duty under fire, long before our military was fully integrated," said Alphonso Braggs, NAACP Board of Directors Member. "Taking his name off this vessel to substitute it with political branding is an insult to his historic legacy, to all enlisted personnel, and to the foundational principle that our military honors collective service and sacrifice over individual ego."

Doris Miller's legacy has long inspired individuals to rise above extreme challenges and unite in selfless dedication to the nation. Having America's most formidable warship bear his name honors a true American hero who displayed uncommon valor. Reversing this dedicated tribute undermines decades of progress in recognizing the vital, enduring contributions of Black service members in the United States Navy.

The NAACP officially calls upon the Department of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, and administration officials to publicly reaffirm their commitment to the USS Doris Miller and ensure this vital piece of American history remains permanently etched on the hull of CVN-81.

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.