In 2004 which was the first US Army ship named after an African American?

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In 2004 which was the first US Army ship named after an African American?

Question #152440. Asked by pehinhota.
Last updated Jun 14 2026.
Originally posted May 14 2026 5:20 AM.

serpa
Answer has 5 votes

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serpa
18 year member
2406 replies

Answer has 5 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

USAV Major General Robert Smalls (LSV-8) is a General Frank S. Besson Jr.-class roll-on/roll-off of the US Army.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAV_Major_General_Robert_Smalls

Built by VT Halter Marine in Moss Point, Miss., and christened in April 2004, LSV-8 is named in honor of Robert Smalls. As a 23-year-old slave during the Civil War he commandeered a Confederate transport steamer loaded with armaments and used the vessel to spirit his wife, children and 12 other slaves to freedom.

https://www.army.mil/article/4877/latest_army_vessel_honors_american_hero

Response last updated by looney_tunes on May 15 2026.
May 14 2026, 8:57 AM

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Answer 1

While the USAV Major General Robert Smalls is the first ARMY ship to be named for an African-American, the NAVY had one all the way back in 1943!!

The USS Harmon (DE-678), A destroyer escort, was named for Leonard Roy Harmon who, in the Battle of Guadalcanal deliberately stood in front of enemy gunfire to save a fellow sailor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Roy_Harmon

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In 2004 which was the first US Army ship named after an African American?

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