The U.S. Navy christened and launched its newest ship during a ceremony in San Diego on Saturday, November 6, according to FOX5.
The replenishment oiler is named after the late gay rights leader Harvey Milk.
Before the ceremony on Saturday Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said, "Tomorrow we christen the future USNS Harvey Milk. Leaders like Harvey Milk taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength and resolve of our nation. There is no doubt that the future Sailors aboard this ship will be inspired by Milk’s life and legacy."
The USNS Harvey Milk is the second ship in the Navy's John Lewis class of fleet replenishment oilers that refuel Navy ships at sea. Each of the John Lewis class of ships is planned to be named after notable civil rights leaders and activists.
Milk's nephew, Stuart Milk was at the ceremony.
“Uncle Harvey did not set out to have a ship, school or park named after him,” he said. “He did have a dream, however. Yes, Uncle Harvey was forced to resign because he was gay. Let’s teach his story, teach about our flaws so we don’t go backward.”
According to FOX5, Milk served in the Navy during the Korean War as a diving officer before becoming the first openly gay elected official in California in 1977.