Reps. Liccardo & Cisneros Secure Commitment from Department of Defense to Preserve USNS Cesar Chavez and Its Namesake’s Legacy
August 14, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16) and Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) announce a victory in the fight to protect the USNS Cesar Chavez’s name. In July, the two members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus sent a letter urging the Department of Defense to reject efforts to rename the USNS Cesar Chavez. In a written response to Liccardo, Cisneros, and their colleagues, the Department of Defense confirmed there are “no plans to rename USNS Cesar Chavez.”
“This is a win not only for the Latino community, and our veterans; it’s a win for all Americans who believe service, leadership, and sacrifice deserve honor, not erasure,” said Liccardo. “Cesar Chavez’s story and triumphant spirit reflect the best of America, and I am relieved to know his legacy will continue to inspire those who serve our nation.”
Secretary of the Navy, John C. Phelan, wrote in the letter, “The names of all future vessels and all pre-commissioning units in the ship building [sic] pipeline will reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s and SECDEF’s priorities, our Nation’s history and the warrior ethos.”
“This response raises questions of what defines ‘warrior ethos,’” continued Liccardo. “I welcome a response from Secretary Hegseth on why Bay Area hero and civil rights icon Harvey Milk’s legacy won’t be preserved under the same criteria.”
“Uplifting the life and legacy of César Chavez should not be a partisan issue,” said Rep. Cisneros. “I’m encouraged that Secretary Hegseth and the Department of Defense heard our concerns and will preserve the name of the USNS César Chavez. Mr. Chavez is an American hero who dedicated his life to our country, from the Navy to the labor movement. Sustaining his name on this ship is a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy and the inspiration he provides to all who serve."
Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948 in a segregated unit in the Western Pacific, went on to co-found the United Farm Workers, lead a nationwide movement for civil rights, and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. In 2011, the Navy named the T-AKE-14 replenishment ship in his honor.
The commitment ensures that the USNS Cesar Chavez will continue to serve as a living tribute to the generations of Mexican-American and Latino veterans who, like Chavez, answered the call to serve even when their communities faced injustice at home.
“This is a win not only for the Latino community, and our veterans; it’s a win for all Americans who believe service, leadership, and sacrifice deserve honor, not erasure,” said Liccardo. “Cesar Chavez’s story and triumphant spirit reflect the best of America, and I am relieved to know his legacy will continue to inspire those who serve our nation.”
Secretary of the Navy, John C. Phelan, wrote in the letter, “The names of all future vessels and all pre-commissioning units in the ship building [sic] pipeline will reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s and SECDEF’s priorities, our Nation’s history and the warrior ethos.”
“This response raises questions of what defines ‘warrior ethos,’” continued Liccardo. “I welcome a response from Secretary Hegseth on why Bay Area hero and civil rights icon Harvey Milk’s legacy won’t be preserved under the same criteria.”
“Uplifting the life and legacy of César Chavez should not be a partisan issue,” said Rep. Cisneros. “I’m encouraged that Secretary Hegseth and the Department of Defense heard our concerns and will preserve the name of the USNS César Chavez. Mr. Chavez is an American hero who dedicated his life to our country, from the Navy to the labor movement. Sustaining his name on this ship is a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy and the inspiration he provides to all who serve."
Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948 in a segregated unit in the Western Pacific, went on to co-found the United Farm Workers, lead a nationwide movement for civil rights, and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. In 2011, the Navy named the T-AKE-14 replenishment ship in his honor.
The commitment ensures that the USNS Cesar Chavez will continue to serve as a living tribute to the generations of Mexican-American and Latino veterans who, like Chavez, answered the call to serve even when their communities faced injustice at home.
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