Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Removal of Harvey Milk's Name from Navy Ship

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a move sparking significant controversy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ordered the U.S. Navy to strip the name of gay rights icon and Navy veteran Harvey Milk from a replenishment oiler, the USNS Harvey Milk. 

This decision, coming during Pride Month, is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to "re-establish the warrior culture" and reverse what they term a "woke" military.

The USNS Harvey Milk, a John Lewis-class ship named in 2016 to honor civil and human rights leaders, has been in service for the past two years. 

Harvey Milk, who served in the Navy during the Korean War before being forced out for being gay, later became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors until his assassination in 1978.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued a brief statement affirming that Secretary Hegseth is "committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos." Critics, however, are questioning how honoring a Navy veteran and civil rights advocate undermines a "warrior ethos."

The renaming of a Navy ship is a highly unusual and traditionally considered taboo act. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco, decried the decision as "shameful, vindictive erasure" and argued it "does not strengthen our national security or the 'warrior' ethos. Instead, it is a surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country."

This order comes amidst a flurry of directives from Secretary Hegseth aimed at reshaping military culture. These actions have included reviewing and potentially renaming other ships in the John Lewis-class, which are named after prominent civil rights leaders and distinguished women like Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman. The administration has also been reportedly moving to eliminate or restructure courses at military academies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has ordered that race, gender, and ethnicity no longer be considered in admissions processes.

While a new name for the USNS Harvey Milk has not yet been announced, officials indicate that Navy Secretary John Phelan has been tasked with selecting a replacement name, with an announcement expected soon. The move is seen by many as a clear signal of the administration's direction for the U.S. military, prioritizing a narrow interpretation of military readiness over broader principles of diversity and inclusion.

The Attempt to Erase History Continues by the Trump Administration

During his presidency, Donald Trump has taken steps to rename a few significant geographical features and government entities.

Most notably, upon his return to the presidency in 2025, he signed an executive order to rename:

Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America": This change applies to U.S. federal agencies and official documents. It has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting it as an "America First" initiative, while other countries like Mexico have stated they will not recognize the change.

Denali to "Mount McKinley": This restores the name of North America's highest peak to Mount McKinley, reversing the 2015 decision by the Obama administration to officially recognize the traditional Native Alaskan name, Denali.

Beyond these prominent geographical changes, during his previous term (2017-2021) and current term, his administration also made some smaller name changes within government agencies and policies, often reflecting shifts in policy or ideology. Examples include:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP).

President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) to President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (PCSFN).

Renaming of some environmental groups to remove terms like "clean energy" and "climate," such as changing "Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team" to "Sustainable Transportation and Resilience Team."

He also advocated for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to be replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

It's important to note that while executive orders can direct U.S. federal agencies to use new names, the broader adoption of these names by state governments, the private sector, and international entities varies and is not always guaranteed.

More on Sea Monkeys

More about Sea Monkeys: a fantastically interesting video from Great Big Story on YouTube.

The Mad Genius Behind Sea Monkeys

This is the story of how a tiny, magical creature was transformed into a cultural phenomenon by inventor, marketing genius and complicated eccentric Harold von Braunhut. Full of fun facts (both charming and disturbing), Just Add Water is a colorful short film about a half-century of marketing directly to children, the force of nostalgia in pop culture, and an unlikely meeting of flim-flam and hard science. A film by Penny Lane.

More Than Just Popcorn: The Value of Family Movie Night

Family movie night offers a fantastic opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. 

Gathering together to enjoy a film fosters a sense of togetherness and shared experience, sparking conversations and laughter that extend beyond the screen.

 

It's a relaxed and enjoyable way to unwind from a busy schedule, offering dedicated time for connection and quality moments.

Additionally, it can be a fun way to introduce children to various genres, stories, and even spark their imagination.

There are a few things you'll want to consider - for example:

• What kind of vibe are you going for? Cozy and casual? A bit more themed or "premiere" feeling?
• Do you have a particular movie in mind? Sometimes the movie itself can inspire the decorations!
• What supplies do you already have on hand?
• How much time and effort do you want to put into it? Simple and quick, or a more involved project?
• Who will be there? (e.g., just immediate family, kids, extended family) This can influence the level of sophistication.

In the meantime, here are a few general ideas to get you started:

Cozy & Casual:

• Pillows and blankets galore! Make sure everyone has a comfy spot to lounge.
• String lights: Drape them around the room for a warm and inviting glow.
• Candles or battery-operated tea lights: Add a touch of ambiance (ensure safety around kids!).
• Snack station: Set up a designated area for popcorn, candy, and drinks. Use fun containers!
• Dim the lights: Create that authentic movie theater feel.

Themed Fun:

• Based on the movie: If you're watching a superhero movie, hang up some comic book cutouts or make "kryptonite" (green-colored snacks). For a Disney movie, maybe some character balloons.
• Hollywood Premiere: Roll out a "red carpet" (even a red blanket!), hang up some star decorations, and maybe even have "paparazzi" (family members with cameras).
• Outdoor Movie Night Vibe: If you're watching outside, use lanterns, citronella candles (to keep bugs away!), and maybe even a projector screen made from a white sheet.

Simple & Quick:

• Popcorn buckets: Use fun, reusable popcorn containers.
• Movie ticket invitations: Even just a handwritten note can add a special touch.
• A "Now Showing" sign: Use a chalkboard or a piece of paper to announce the movie.

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Sea-Monkeys: The Quirky Journey from Brine Shrimp to Beloved Novelty Pet

National Sea Monkey Day is celebrated on May 16th, and in 2025, it promises to be a fun occasion to recognize these quirky little creatures. Sea Monkeys, which are a brand of brine shrimp, have captured the imagination of many with their unique life cycle and ability to come to life from dormant eggs.

10 x 14 METAL SIGN -
1972 Sell Sea-Monkey Kits for Profits -
Vintage Rusty Look

Sea-Monkeys, despite their whimsical name and cartoonish depictions, have a fascinating history rooted in real science and clever marketing. Here's a breakdown:

The Real Creature:

Sea-Monkeys are a marketing term for brine shrimp of the genus Artemia. These are tiny aquatic crustaceans that naturally inhabit saltwater environments like salt lakes and evaporation ponds.   

Brine shrimp have an incredible ability called cryptobiosis or anhydrobiosis. In harsh conditions like dryness, they can enter a state of suspended animation, essentially appearing lifeless. Their eggs (cysts) can remain dormant for years and hatch when favorable conditions return.   

Brine shrimp have been around for a very long time. Geological evidence suggests they've existed in the Great Salt Lake area for at least 600,000 years.

Sea-Monkeys Bumper Sticker Window Vinyl Decal 5"

The Invention of "Sea-Monkeys":

The idea for Sea-Monkeys came from Harold von Braunhut (1926-2003), a prolific American mail-order marketer and inventor. He also invented other novelty items like X-Ray Spex and Invisible Goldfish.   

In 1957, von Braunhut observed brine shrimp being sold as fish food in a pet store. He recognized their potential as "instant pets" that could fascinate children.   

Von Braunhut collaborated with a marine biologist, Anthony D'Agostino, to develop a specific mix of nutrients and chemicals in a dry form. This mixture, when added to tap water, would create a suitable habitat for the shrimp to hatch and thrive. Von Braunhut received a patent for this process on July 4, 1972.   

Initially, the product was called "Instant Life" and sold for $0.49.   

The "Sea-Monkeys" Name and Marketing:

Metal Sign - Vintage Look Sea Monkeys Comic Book Ad 8 X 12 Inches

In 1962, von Braunhut cleverly rebranded "Instant Life" as "Sea-Monkeys." The new name played on their saltwater habitat and the supposed resemblance of their tails to those of monkeys, a connection that required quite a bit of imagination!   

The marketing of Sea-Monkeys was particularly effective through advertisements in comic books during the 1960s and early 1970s. These ads, often illustrated by comic book artist Joe Orlando, depicted highly anthropomorphized, almost humanoid creatures living in fantastical underwater worlds.   

These illustrations were far from the reality of the tiny brine shrimp, leading to disappointment for many purchasers. However, the catchy name and appealing imagery in comic books drove sales significantly. Von Braunhut himself acknowledged the power of this advertising.

The kits typically included three pouches: a "Water Purifier" (to prepare the water), "Instant Life Eggs" (containing the brine shrimp cysts and other ingredients), and food.   

Later Developments:

Von Braunhut aimed to improve the longevity and size of the brine shrimp. He again collaborated with Anthony D'Agostino to create a hybrid breed called Artemia NYOS, which the manufacturers claimed lived longer and grew larger than обычные brine shrimp.   

Sea-Monkeys have become a lasting part of popular culture, even appearing in television shows like The Simpsons.   

In 1998, astronaut John Glenn took Sea-Monkeys into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, and they successfully hatched upon their return, demonstrating their resilience.   

In essence, the history of Sea-Monkeys is a story of taking a common organism, recognizing its unique biological properties, and using imaginative marketing to transform it into a beloved novelty pet that has captivated generations.