Navy secretary names ship after Cesar Chavez
Using sweeping language about ‘American dreamers,’ Navy Secretary Ray Mabus named the last in a series of supply ships after the late labor leader César Chávez on Wednesday, telling a crowd at General Dynamics NASSCO that the vessel deserved to be known for a figure who will inspire future generations.
Fifteen Democratic senators commended the Navy for the choice in a letter to Mabus, while Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, called the selection a “political statement,” and said there are more deserving candidates
Mabus made the announcement while standing next to the keel of a ship that will measure 689 feet in length, and be capable of roaming the world’s oceans when NASSCO finishes building it next year.
The ship is the 14th T-AKE (Navy shorthand for dry cargo-ammunition vessel) that’s being constructed at NASSCO, the last major shipbuilder on the West Coast. Other ships in the Lewis and Clark-class line bear the name of such figures as astronaut Alan Shephard and aviator Amelia Earhart.
"These ships are named for American pioneers, American explorers, American visionaries," said Mabus, addressing a crowd that included about 25 members of Chavez’s extended family. "They represent the multi-hued tapestry that is America. And today, we add another heroic piece to that tapestry. César Chávez carries on the proud tradition of those we have honored here before."
Mabus’ remarks came amid controversy. On Tuesday, Hunter issued a statement saying, "Naming a ship after César Chávez 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."
Mabus didn’t refer to Hunter’s remarks in his speech, choosing instead to celebrate Chávez’ role in the labor and civil rights movements.
He said the late labor movement leader was a “hero” and a “patriot” who should be recognized for his service to the military and the country.
"Every time a ship gets named there are literally thousands of people that are deserving of the honor. But when NASSCO recommended César Chávez, I thought what a great idea … to honor an American visionary, an American pioneer and (a person) that has done so much for American workers, and who was a Navy veteran.
“I just think this is a real happy day, a happy day for NASSCO and a happy day for America.”
Mabus remarks came minutes after he formally announced the ship’s name to an audience that included one of César Chávez’ sons, Paul Chavez.
Chávez said, "It’s unfortunate that (Hunter) said that. But he does make a good point. There are a tremendous number of people that deserve to be recognized. So we’re here today accepting (the honor) in the spirit of all the folks that have made tremendous contributions in the service, but also in building this great nation of ours."
The two U.S. senators from California, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, and 14 of their colleagues praised the selection.
"Chávez’s dedication to securing better pay, safer working conditions, and dignity for American farm workers through nonviolent tactics led Senator Robert F. Kennedy to call him “one of the heroic figures of our time," the letter said
The Senators’ letter they did not cite Hunter by name, but admonished critics of the Navy as having "a disappointing lack of knowledge of the standards and traditions that are such an important part of United States Navy history."
In addition to Senators Boxer and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, Senators Michael Bennet, D-CO, Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Richard Durbin, D-IL, Carl Levin, D-MI, Jeff Merkley, D-OR, Robert Menendez, D-NJ, Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, Patrick Leahy, D-VT, Patty Murray, D-WA, Jack Reed, D-RI, Charles Schumer, D-NY, Debbie Stabenow,D-MI, and Mark Udall, D-CO.
The letter said:
"Mr. Chávez was a great labor and civil rights leader and a Navy veteran. As you have stated, this move continues the Navy’s tradition of naming these supply ships for famous American pioneers, explorers, and visionaries.
It is clear that César Chávez is a fitting namesake for this fourteenth and final ship. Any comments to the contrary reflect a total disregard for César Chávez, who deserves our respect and gratitude for the lifetime he spent promoting the fair treatment of workers and equal rights and justice for all Americans.”
Hunter wrote his own letter to Navy officials Wednesday, pressing to name the next vessel after Marine Corps Sgt. Rafael Peralta who died in Iraq. His letter said:
"Naming the last ship in the Lewis and Clark-class after anyone other than hometown hero Rafael Peralta misses a valuable opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of a U.S. Marine who was wrongfully denied the Medal of Honor. Even with this class of ships dedicated to visionaries and pioneers, there is no better choice than Sergeant Peralta for his service and sacrifice.
"In light of the decision to name a ship after César Chávez, I urge the Navy to give immediate consideration to naming the next available vessel after Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta."
Chávez supporters took issue only with Hunter’s vehement opposition of Chávez as the ship’s namesake – though not his suggested replacement candidates.
"This is a non-issue, I would never disparage the good names of Marine Corps Sergeant Peralta or John Finn, just like I’m pretty certain there are many more worthy names that could grace a U.S. Navy Ship," said Abel Valenzuela, chairman of the César E. Chávez Department of Latino/a Studies at the University of California Los Angeles. "César E. Chávez is equally if not more deserving of the Navy’s recognition."
Rep. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, joins the chorus of Navy supporters saying is proud of the selection for the ship being built in his district. "I am very proud that a ship built in our own community, and by our local workers receive such a name of honor and symbolism."