Navys Proposal to Name Ship After Chavez Comes Under Fire

 

Despite not having made a formal announcement into the naming of its new Lewis and Clark/ T-AKE class Navy cargo ship, the Navy is taking heat over their proposal to name the vessel after labor organizer, Cesar Chavez.

Representative Duncan Hunter, R-California released a statement Wednesday giving his objection to the proposed name.  Hunter says, “Naming a ship after Cesar Chavez goes right along with other recent decisions by the Navy that appear to be more about making a political statement than upholding the Navy’s history and tradition.”

Hunter goes on to say that if the Navy’s intention is to honor the Hispanic community’s contribution to the U.S., several “other names come to mind, including Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta who wan nominated for the Medal of Honor for action in Iraq.”

On Wednesday, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus will be in San Diego at the General Dynamics Nassco shipyard where he is expected to formally announce the vessels name.

Cesar Chavez, who died in 1993, is known for his efforts as a labor organizer and for his founding of the United Farm Workers.  He is recognized for his fight to earn better pay and safer working conditions for farm workers.

Other politicians applauded the Navy for the proposed name, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, said, “I applaud Secretary Mabus for continuing the Navy’s rich tradition of naming these supply ships after pioneers, explorers and visionaries.”

Chavez who served two years in the Navy, reportedly was not very fond of this time. The United Farm Workers website says that “in addition to discrimination, he experienced strict regimentation.”

The Navy has declined to comment on the proposed name and the Pentagon has said that statements will not be made until the officials naming is given by Secretary Mabus. 

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PICTURED: Chavez, 1974