The Next U.S. Navy Ford-class Aircraft Carrier Will Be Named After World War II Hero Doris Miller
Doris Miller
12 October 1919 - 24 November 1943
November has taken on additional significance because it is the anniversary of the combat death in 1943 of World War II hero Doris “Dorie” Miller. In January 2020, the U.S. Navy announced that the aircraft carrier CVN 81 will be named after Miller—the first aircraft carrier named for an African American and an enlisted sailor.
Learn About Miller
Learn how the actions Ship's Mess Attendant Doris Miller on Dec. 7, 1941, earned him the Navy Cross. He was the first African American recipient of this award. (Credit: U.S. Navy)
U.S. Navy Naming Ceremony
Ship’s Cook 3rd Class Doris Miller was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The U.S. Navy announced that CVN 81 will be named in his honor, making it the second ship named after Miller and the first aircraft carrier named for an African American and enlisted sailor. (Credit: Huntington Ingalls Industries)
Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, USN, (Ret.) speaks about the significance of naming an aircraft carrier for World War II hero Miller. Listen here.
Naval Historian Dr. Regina Akers discusses Doris Miller
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