All eleven units of the US Navy's John L. Lewis-class fuel supply ships - including those still under construction - bear the names of famous civil rights activists. Not everyone likes that. Now a particularly controversial case is causing a stir: The ship currently in the shipyard "Harvey Milk" is to be renamed quickly.

The reason: Harvey Milk, who served as a diving officer on the submarine rescue ship "USS KITTIWAKE" during the Korean War and had to leave the navy in 1955, came out publicly as homosexual around 70 years ago. After his military service, he became politically active in California and in 1978 became the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office - as a city councillor and deputy mayor of San Francisco. Shortly afterwards, he was murdered because of his LGBTQ+ commitment.

But now - so it is said - the "Priorities of the President and his Minister of Defence" postponed. The naming is to be brought "in line". The corresponding order from the Minister of Defence Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan was originally not due to be announced until Pride Month in June, but was publicised ahead of schedule - and sparked fierce protests. Both political groups and civil rights movements voiced harsh criticism. The cost of the measure is not known.

The Navy itself is obviously watching the debate with consternation - and feels increasingly degraded to a pawn in political symbolism.

Since the end of June, the ship has officially borne the name "Oscar V. Peterson" - named after a petty officer ("stoker") who selflessly saved his ship in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. He was posthumously honoured with the Medal of Honour and the Purple Heart excellent.

That's how it works - say some. A scandal - say the others.