The USNS César Chavez (T-AKE 14), a supply vessel named after the farmworker-turned-civil rights icon, will not be renamed, the Pentagon confirmed earlier this month.

The decision comes after two California Democrats, Representatives Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Sam Liccardo (CA-16), pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to preserve the ship’s name, arguing that Chávez’s life story embodies service, sacrifice, and the spirit of America.

The ruling halts speculation that the Chavez would join a growing list of Navy ships flagged for renaming as part of a wider effort under President Donald Trump’s second term. That campaign began in June with the surprise renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk .

For now, Chávez’s name and legacy stay afloat.

The Push to Preserve Chávez’s Legacy

The US

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