USNS Cesar Chavez

Posted by deslava27 |

USNS Cesar Chavez? Navy asked to explain policy for naming ships – latimes.com. It seems there is a bit of a controversial over the name of a supply ship after Cesar Chavez.  Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) complained earlier this year that Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ naming of a supply ship after Chavez appeared to be “more about making a political statement than upholding the Navy’s history and tradition.”

It was pointed out to Rep. Hunter that following Navy standards and traditions, similar ships have been named for explorers Lewis and Clark, aviator Amelia Earhart, astronaut Alan Shepard and civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Chavez enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served for two years.

In a statement announcing the name in May, Mabus said: “Cesar Chavez inspired young Americans to do what is right and what is necessary to protect our freedoms and our country. … The Cesar Chavez will sail hundreds of thousands of miles and will bring support and assistance to thousands upon thousands of people. His example will live on in this great ship.”