The USNS Cesar Chavez will maintain its name, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. Local Representatives Sam Liccardo and Gil Cisneros advocated for this decision, recognizing Chavez as a veteran and champion of civil and labor rights. The Navy asserts that future naming will reflect military priorities and national history. Liccardo emphasized the significance of Chavez's legacy as a local hero and symbol of hope for the community. The ship was named in 2011, acknowledging Chavez's Navy service and contributions to workers' rights.
Liccardo said the name's preservation provides some relief against the presidential administration's actions, adding the decision could be an appeal to Latino voters President Donald Trump lost support from due to recent immigration raids and deportations.
Chavez is known for organizing the country's first successful farmworkers union, now known as the United Farm Workers, in the early 1960s.
Keeping the ship's name means a lot to Andres Chavez, Cesar Chavez's grandson and executive director of the National Farm Workers Association.
Collection
[
|
...
]