WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename a ship named after gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

Officials say it's in an effort to "re-establish the warrior culture."

Milk served in the Navy during the Korean War before he was forced out for being gay. He later became one of the first openly gay candidates elected to public office, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors until his assassination in 1978.

Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that Secretary Pete 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."

California Democrats are speaking out against the potential change, wit

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