Congress Wants Navy Ship Named After Trailblazing Rear Admiral Alene Duerk, First Female Flag Officer

The “Rear Admiral Alene Duerk Ship Renaming Act of 2025” is straightforward: it’s Congress formally recommending that the Secretary of the Navy name a naval vessel the “USS Rear Admiral Alene Duerk.” This isn't a mandate, but a strong suggestion—a "Sense of Congress" resolution—to honor a true pioneer. The bill is essentially a historical citation, detailing Duerk’s remarkable service, which included being commissioned in 1943, caring for wounded service members during World War II on the USS Benevolence in the Pacific, and serving across the globe before making history.

Why This Name Matters

For those of us who appreciate when institutions finally recognize the people who broke barriers, this bill is a nod to history. Rear Admiral Alene Duerk wasn't just a dedicated nurse; she was the first woman to achieve the rank of flag officer in the U.S. Navy, reaching Rear Admiral on April 16, 1972. Think about that: in a service steeped in tradition, she shattered a 200-year-old glass ceiling. The bill specifically lists her wartime service and her numerous decorations, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, reinforcing that this isn't just about rank, but about valor and dedication.

The Real-World Impact of Recognition

While naming a ship might seem like bureaucratic housekeeping, it has real cultural impact. For service members, particularly women navigating careers in the military today, seeing a major naval vessel bear the name of a female trailblazer is a powerful form of institutional validation. It’s a physical reminder that history isn't just made by admirals named John or William. This recognition reinforces the Navy’s commitment to diversity and honors the nurses and medical personnel who are often the unsung heroes of wartime service, like Duerk, who treated casualties during fleet operations.

Ship Naming: A Recommendation, Not a Rule

It’s important to note the structure of this legislation. Because it is a “Sense of Congress” resolution (Section 2), it expresses the legislative branch’s strong opinion but doesn't legally compel the Secretary of the Navy to act. The Secretary retains the final authority in naming vessels. However, these resolutions carry significant weight. The bill does its job by laying out a compelling, fact-backed case for why Duerk deserves the honor, citing her service on the USS Benevolence and her historic promotion. If the Secretary agrees, a new ship will serve as a floating monument to one of the most important figures in modern naval history.