[Always A Marine]

Destroyers have always been named after people, cruisers after cities, battleships after states and carriers after battles. Now, attack subs are named after cities as cruisers are being phased out, missile subs are named after states as the new "capital" ships, light carriers are named after battles, and big carriers are named after presidents. The Navy has its traditions.

All that said, I agree with you about about naming things after living people. The honoree should always be deceased and therefore unable to bring dishonor to or gain advantage from the naming.

[yawningotter]

My problem with ship names is throwing in politician names when every other ship in the class follows a recognizable pattern. The Seawolf class subs are a prime example. Three boats, using a fish name, which is traditional for subs, a state, following current practice, and Jimmy Carter. Stennis and Vinson get carriers named after them, while famous carrier admirals like Halsey and Spruance are limited to destroyers? Stick to a system, and don’t compromise it so that some career politician or their family can get an honor that should be reserved for true heroes and leaders.