New Aircraft Carrier To Be Named for Doris Miller

The heroes of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor are commemorated through medals, citations, and even naval ships bearing their names. Among these iconic figures, one hero stands out—Doris Miller, an African-American sailor who displayed extraordinary bravery during the attack. His legacy is receiving an unparalleled honor: the United States Navy is naming a new Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier after him. This decision, announced by Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, breaks with tradition, as modern aircraft carriers are typically named after U.S. presidents or other prominent figures of high rank.

Doris Miller, a native of Waco, Texas, was far from what many envisioned as a hero in 1941. As an enlisted sailor in a segregated Navy, he served aboard the USS West Virginia (BB-48) as a mess attendant—a role designated for African Americans during that era. However, Miller’s courage during the Pearl Harbor attack shattered societal and institutional barriers.
When the attack began, Miller’s assigned battle station was inaccessible due to the chaos. Undeterred, he rushed to the deck and joined efforts to move injured sailors to safety, including Captain Mervyn Bennion, who later succumbed to his wounds. Despite having no formal training, Miller took command of an anti-aircraft gun, firing until its ammunition was depleted. His bravery saved lives and inspired hope during one of the darkest moments in American history.

Doris Miller’s heroism did not go unrecognized. On May 27, 1942, Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, presented Miller with the Navy Cross—the Navy’s second-highest honor at the time. This milestone made Miller the first African-American serviceman to receive the award, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions of African Americans in the U.S. military.
Tragically, Miller’s life was cut short on November 24, 1943, when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) was torpedoed and sunk during World War II. His sacrifice, however, continues to resonate as a symbol of valor and resilience.

On January 20, 2020—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the U.S. Navy announced that the newest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier would bear the name USS Doris Miller (CVN-81). This $12.5 billion vessel will embody the courage and sacrifice that Miller represents, further solidifying his place in American history.
The carrier is expected to take seven to eight years to complete construction, making it a centerpiece of the Navy’s fleet. This ship will be the second to honor Miller’s name; the first was the destroyer escort USS Miller (DE/FF-1091), which served from 1973 to 1991.

Doris Miller’s heroism has been immortalized not only in military history but also in popular culture. He was portrayed in the films Pearl Harbor and Midway, which highlighted his bravery and the significance of his Navy Cross award. Beyond films, his name graces parks, streets, and schools, ensuring his story inspires future generations.

The decision to name an aircraft carrier after Doris Miller is more than an acknowledgment of individual heroism; it is a statement about progress and inclusion. In a Navy once divided by segregation, Miller’s legacy now serves as a unifying force, reminding all Americans of the courage that transcends race and rank.
As the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) takes shape over the coming years, it will stand as a testament to the enduring values of bravery, equality, and the sacrifices of those who have shaped history.

Doris Miller’s story is a powerful example of how ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary feats under the most challenging circumstances. By naming a state-of-the-art aircraft carrier after him, the U.S. Navy ensures that his legacy of courage and sacrifice will continue to inspire for generations to come.